The Oakland University Golden Grizzlies men’s and women’s track teams ended up with No Team Scores in the Meyo Invitational on Feb. 4 and 5 in South Bend, Indiana, as they put up new Horizon League marks.

The Golden Grizzlies faced off against a mix of opponents in their first meet up of the month, including the likes of Ohio State University, Indiana State University, Loyola Chicago, and Purdue as they represented the Horizon League in this high profile matchup. Though Oakland ended the meet with no scores, they were able to reach new heights by competing against a collection of the top schools in Division I.

For the women’s team, Oakland’s appearance in the inter-conference matchup was highlighted by top performances by sophomore Rose Philogene, who placed in the top 3 in the 60-meter hurdles event, as well as numerous placing in other 60-meter hurdles throughout the two-day event. Along with her valiant effort, freshman Ellie Voetberg posted a Horizon League best time in the 5,000 meter, with 17:42.34, which was good for 15th among the women in the Invitational.

The Golden Grizzlies men’s team proved just as impactful, posting career marks in several different events over the weekend. Senior Connor Goetz led the Golden Grizzlies as he posted an Oakland University record time in the 5,000 meter at 14:18.44, which was fourth at the meet and best among Horizon League competitors. Oakland also posted high marks in the 500-meter and the high jump, with Junior Justin Kudera and Senior Chase VanSickle posting a third best for each with 48.53 and 6’8.25” respectively.

Over the course of the weekend, Oakland consistently placed in the top 20 as they look to gain traction on the season. Facing off against teams like Iowa State will allow the Golden Grizzlies to measure themselves against some of the top talents nationwide. Though they didn’t put points up in the Meyo Invitational, Oakland showed flashes of their capabilities as they chased records and remained focused against Big 10 Track and Field.

Though Oakland didn’t leave the weekend with a win, Oakland will take new top marks in the Horizon League. The Golden Grizzlies men and women left the meet with more confidence as they build what is still a relatively new sport for Oakland University. Having been officially established in 2011, the program is still relatively new, but seeing more records with the Oakland University name will certainly establish the winning culture that it is known for.

Oakland will be back in action on Feb. 11-12to compete in the Grand Valley State University Grand Meet in Allendale, Michigan. This match will be one of their closing matchups before the Horizon League Championships on Feb. 26-27. As Oakland prepares for the final stretch, the men and women in track and field look ready to defend the den.