Winkler Blazes to Pair of School Records

Results 

(3/22/08 - Men's Track and Field) IRVINE - Newcomer Nathan Winkler made his outdoor debut a memorable one, scorching the track for a pair of school records as a small Concordia squad opened the second half of the track and field season at the UC Irvine Spring Break Classic.

Winkler etched his name in the record books by eclipsing the previous marks in both the 100- and 200-meter races. His time of 10.91 in the 100 bested the previous time of 11.05 set in 1999 by Grant Carey. The new 200-meter mark of 22.13 also removed Carey from the top of the charts after he clocked a time of 22.80, also in 1999.

Winkler was joined in the sprint events by teammate Michael Leonetti, who also ran well in his outdoor debut by posting a time of 11.30. Joining them was veteran Rod West, who started his campaign with a time of 11.91. Leonetti also clocked a time of 23.19 to win his heat in the 200 meters.

Also competing for the Eagles in the sprints was Ben Coulombe. He started his day with a time of 23.24 in the 200, which was less than 0.5 seconds from Carey's previous school record time. He wrapped up the running for the Eagles as the only competitor in the 400, logging a mark of 50.95.

All-American Paul Castaneda started his outdoor campaign in fine fashion as the only thrower to compete. Taking part in the discus, Castaneda won the event that included NCAA Division I competition, launching a throw of 170'6". His mark was just a foot off his own school record and was well past the automatic qualifying mark for the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships at Fresno Pacific in May.

The rest of the Concordia squad will be in action this Saturday, March 29 as they take part in the Point Loma Nazarene Invitational in San Diego.