YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The IUPUI men's track and field team continued to do what it does best as the Jaguars stockpiled points in the distance events en route to a fourth-place finish at this weekend's Horizon League Indoor Track and Field Championships. The Jaguars put four finishers among the top-seven runners in the 3,000m event on Sunday (Feb. 27) to add to the point total, ultimately helping the Jaguars finish among the top half of the league standings. 

"It was another solid day for us in the few events we competed in today. Similar to yesterday, I can't emphasize the team's ability to lift each other up to another level," head coach Justin Roeder said. "Their ability to handle the pressure and build off each other's performances is something special to witness."

It was no more apparent than in the 3K as senior Eric Hoffman continued to impress with a runner-up finish in the 3K in a time of 8:24.45 and Nate Kaiser was third at 8:25.48. Kaiser moved to the front of the pack over the latter stages of the race, but ultimately succumbed to Oakland's Connor Goetz. Hoffman tried to outkick Goetz, but was unable to track him down on the race's final lap. 

"Right away, we had to step up when Eric Petersen got sick and couldn't compete for us this weekend," Kaiser said. "We had guys barely getting into fast heats and scoring points for us. 

"Hoffy winning the 5K in his last indoor meet was something I won't ever forget. Our culture is our strength and helped carry us to something we could have never done by ourselves. It was a great weekend for the Jags."

Nick Perkins placed sixth in the 3K with a time of 8:31.44 and Alex Ratkovich was seventh at 8:32.92. Grant Moon finished 11th at 8:39.31. 

"I'm very pleased with Eric, Nick, Alex and Grant for pulling off a strenuous 5K/3K double," Roeder said. "They continue to impress me with their ability to respond to different situations that unfold in racing."

In the mile, Josh Everetts clocked a time of 4:24.87 and Keith Bye was just behind him at 4:26.04, placing 12th and 13th, respectively. 

"Keith and Josh ran a smart race to pick up second and third in their section of the mile, both posting seasonal bests," Roeder said. 

The Jaguars will now turn focus to the outdoor season, slated to begin at the Raleigh Relays on Mar. 24 in Raleigh, N.C.