The Kent State track and field athletes continued to keep momentum at a good pace as the team completed its second meet at home in the Kent State Field House for the Jud Logan Memorial.
The Flashes complemented their meet with seven total victories, five of those being top-10 in sprints, jumps and hurdles, notching themselves in program history.
KSU has had two productive meets to start the year. Following a trip to rival Akron last week, the Flashes hosted their first home meet of the indoor season.
“Last week was pretty surprising on how well and how many top-10 marks that we produced,” Director of Track and Field Nathan Fanger said. “Two really strong meets to start the season, no question.”
The Jud Logan Memorial Meet was named in honor of Kent State Varsity “K” Hall of Famer Jud Logan following his passing in 2022. A four-year letter winner and NCAA qualifier at KSU, Logan went on to compete in four Olympic Games and became a legendary coach, earning five USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year honors and leading Ashland University to three national championships at the Division II level.
This meet means a lot for the athletes, as their goal is to not only honor the late Logan, but to compete in his spirit, and win with his drive and determination to be the best version of themselves.
“It’s really something special to be able to be part of and really honor the athletes of the past,” Fanger said. “I’m still able to produce some really good throwers and the legacy lives on.”
Jud Logan’s coach, Al Shotterman, was also in attendance for the event. Fanger mentioned how special it was for him to show up and be a part of the culture of the meet.
“Al [Shotterman] being able to be here with his Olympic jacket on, it really represents the old school throws that were here,” Fanger said.
The Flashes’ individual performances were yet again a good sign for their next meet, as senior Keeli Dunaway had a sensational day, recording the highest ranking on the Golden Flashes all-time performance list in the triple jump event. She had her personal best of 41’-10.75, fourth in program history.
Redshirt senior Gabrielle Hammonds and junior Alexa Nestor both had productive days, both notching their PR’s in a one-two finish in the women’s 60-meter hurdles. Hammonds tied for fifth all-time and Nestor seventh.
Redshirt senior Donovan Crawford ended the meet after going the distance in the men’s weight throw, going 63’-2.25” on a substantial toss. Fanger assessed his performance from the past two weeks.
“He was conference champion last year, struggled in the hammer a little bit outside, and couldn’t get the throw,” Fanger said. “He went 63 [feet] and some change today. So strong start, I assume he’s going to get in the 20-meter range very soon.”
The Flashes have been very local the past two weeks and got out the jitters, but their hardest feat so far this season will be the Meyo Invitational in Notre Dame, as they travel there next weekend for a two-day meet.
As the Golden Flashes prepare for their second road trip of the year, Fanger had a few words for them — the element of being focused.
“Focus is the key to success,” Fanger said. “You cannot, you cannot lose focus. You have to always stay focused.”
Evan Schofield is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
