Richmond women place six among Top-10 in four events at Ram Invitational

RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond track and field squad opened its 2005 outdoor season at the Ram Invitational Friday at Richard A. Hollander Track Facility in Richmond. The Spider women\'s squad garnered a total of six Top-10 finishes in four events including three among the Top-10 in the hammer throw.

Richmond\'s three sophomore throwers excelled at the season\'s first meet garnering a total of three Top-10 finishes. Beth Crocus picked up first place in the hammer with a toss of 159-08.00. Lindsey Smith finished fifth with a distance of 133-04.00 and Leslie Gleue came in 10th with a throw of 119-00.00.

Three Spiders took part in the 5000 meters and all placed within the Top-25. Sophomore Amanda Russell came in second with a 17:10.05. Freshman Shelby Faircloth notched a 12th-place finish in a time of 18:52.05 and freshman Diane Kenaston came in 21st with a 19:33.72.

Junior Diana Morse finished seventh in the 1500 meters with a 4:43.67. Junior Amy Thesing took fourth place in the 400 meter hurdles with a 1:07.54.

On the men\'s side freshman Hunter Willis took 24th in the 1500 meters with a 4:07.33.

Senior Brett Walton took part in five events of the decathlon. The Bridgewater, Va., native placed first in four of the events and second in the remaining one. He will resume competition tomorrow in day two of the meet.

Richmond resumes competition at the Ram Invitational tomorrow, March 19, at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond, Va.