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Show Monday, April 18, 2011 Page 8 MondayS110 Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.utahstatesman.com Aggies litter leaderboards during lone home track meet By MIKE REES staff writer Utah State's track team and its dedicated fans spent much of the morning and early afternoon enduring cold rains unsupportive of the Aggie athletes, and were rewarded later with both stellar weather and stellar performances. The Aggies took charge at Ralph Maughn Stadium and took home commanding victories in 16 events in front of a rare cheering crowd of fans. Athletes representing Boise State, Idaho State, University of Utah, BYU, Weber State, Utah Valley and Westminster were present at the lone Utah State-hosted meet of the year, but Utah State hogged a good percentage of the top spots, winning 16 event titles and placing 43 athletes in the top 3. A few athletes landed conference-leading marks. Jason Holt ran a personal best 1:49.89 in the 800-meter and Joe Canavan threw a 58' 10" in the shot put, each snaggin the leading spot in the WAC. Several of Utah State's freshmen stepped up to the added pressure of performing in front of the home crowd. Kylie Hirschi (400-meter hurdles, 1:00.80) and Tanner Hunt (400-meter, 48.01), who have made their presence known all season long, were joined by fellow freshmen CJ O'Neil (long jump, 21'10.75) and Reagan Ward (triple jump, 46' 11.5"). Each won their event and had season and personal best performances. Senior Alexis Meyer also had a personal best in the 800-meter, winning the event in 2:12.89 "You get more nervous in front of a home crowd, especially for me because I'm from here," Hunt said. "When I (compete out of state) I'm more calm and collected, and I can just do my thing." Aggies that won multiple events included Silas Pimentel (100-meter, 10.79 and 200-meter, 21.47) and Lyndsey Spencer (hammer, 184' 1" and discus, 168' 7"). Regardless of the expectation to perform for friends and family, the results showed more of a positive influence on the marks. "It depends on the athlete," USU head coach Gregg Gensel said. "The advantage is comfort with your surroundings. You can focus on your performance. When you're away from Logan you have to worry about where you're gonna eat, where you're gonna sleep, what the track will be like. If you look at it overall, it's always better to have great performances at home. I like home because we're pretty tough here. Even in bad weather we have a good meet. If you can win in bad weather, think what will happen in good weather." Although the weather postponed some events and made others more difficult, as evidenced by the throwing rings filled with standing water, many of the athletes soldiered through and got work done. The Aggies swept the top three spots in the women's 1500-meter (Alex Litzsinger, 4:45.41; Kim Quinn, 4:46.18; Hannah Williams 4:46.50) and men's 1500meter (Eric Larson, 3:54.79; Aaron Clements, 3:57.60; Devin Lang, 3:59.79). The men went beyond just the top three, grabbing each of the top seven spots in the 1500-meter, with Daniel Howell, Kyle McKenna, Steven Atkinson and Nick Bolinder rounding out the next four spots. Clint Silcock and Eric Follet finished one-two in the high jump with jumps of 6' 9.75" and 6' 6", respectively. "It was a good meet, over all," Gensel said. "We had a rough go in the beginning because of the rain. Yes, the weather did have an impact on some of the events, but our kids made the most of it, and when the weather turned nice they took advantage of that. Joe (Canavan) threw the conference-leading mark (in the shotput) in the worst of the pouring rain." Gensel noted that everybody was subject to the same sour conditions and the same good conditions. "You only get so many opportunities to perform, and whether it's good or bad, everybody gets the same opportunity." With the home meet past them, the Aggies will gear up this week for the Cal Brutus Hamilton in Oakland, Calif, on April 21-23. — michadd.rees@aggiemaiLusu.edu UTAH STATE'S TRACK AND FIELD TEAM battled through poor weather conditions to claim 16 event titles and 43 top three finishes during the Mark Faldmo Invitational. STERLING BOIN and TODD JONES photos Injuries opening door for new wide receivers to shine By MEREDITH KINNEY staff writer WIDE RECEIVERS Eric Moats (82) and Travis Reynolds await a play call during a game against Fresno State last season. Both players have excelled during spring football practices and are looking at increased roles for the upcoming season. TODD JONES photo I I I I I I As spring football nears its end, many players are starting to find their groove and make a spot for themselves on the team. Amidst the sounds of pads crashing against each other, a few players are quietly standing out. With many of last year's big minute-getters sidelined, less experienced players have gotten a chance to showcase their talents. "Right now we're battling a lot of injuries but the young guys we have, I'm very pleased," wide recievers coach Jovon Bouknight said. "They had a great first scrimmage and I've seen them make a lot of plays that I'm impressed, very impressed with." The young Aggie receivers have made the most of the injuries to key players. With familiar faces like Stanley Morrison, Austin Alder and Matt Austin unable play due to injuries, spots have opened up for those younger, lesser-known players to stand out. Travis Reynolds is one of those players poised to have a breakout year for USU. After a freshman season that included nine catches for 77 yards, Reynolds has had a strong spring season leaving both teammates and coaches optimistic about the sophomore. "Reynolds is a guy that's starting for me right now," Bouknight said. "He really took advantage of this opportunity." Not only has Reynolds made the transition to starter, but he has also moved from inside receiver to outside receiver. This means learning new routes and executing plays from a different position throughout spring ball. 1 Ol111115 i ELIIS 'Most Vehicles Qualify 'See Store For Details .1 [IN QI'AI ITY I I I I I I "They moved me outside so I had to adjust but it's going good so far," Reynolds said. After getting limited snaps last season, Reynolds is looking to become a leader on the team. "Coach told me I had to step up and make big plays," Reynolds said. And that's exactly what he did. Not only has his spring performance gotten the attention but of his coaches, his teammates are starting to notice as well. "He's a sophomore this year and I think a lot of people forget that, said" senior wideout Eric Moats. "He's come out and made a lot of plays." Along with Reynolds, Moats is looking to have another big year at the position after a break-out season in 2010. "I'm excited," Moats said. "We've got those old guys out but they've proved last fall that they can play, and then we've got these new kids coming in who are getting a lot of experience so we're going to have a lot of depth." Moats is ready to put up big numbers and is looking for the receivers to step up their play along with the rest of the team. With the quarterback position still up in the air, the Aggies are turning to their passing game to take their offense to the next level. "We're going to be throwing the ball a lot more, especially with the new quarterbacks coming in and challenging for that spot," Moats said. Another player ready to make an impact for the Aggies this year is senior Matt Austin. Last year Austin was unable to fulfill his I See WIDEOUTS, page 9 •Free Rock Chip Repair Golf places 15th at BYU tournament By TAVIN STUCKI staff writer Aggie Senior Tyson McFarland placed tied for 11th overall at the BYU-hosted PING Cougar Classic on Friday and Saturday. McFarland led the USU men's golf team to a tie for 15th place. Colorado State University won the tournament with a combined score of 17-under 847 (288-284-275) and BYU's Zac Blair beat the field with an 11under 205 (71-69-65) to earn the individual championship. McFarland, a native of Rexburg, Idaho, and transfer from BYU, shot 1-over 73 in the first round and 2-over 74 in the second before he shaved six strokes from his second-round score to card a 68 on his final round. This tournament marks the fourth time McFarland has finished with a top-15 score this season. The Aggies were in 16th after the first two rounds on day one of the tournament. 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