The Aurora University Spartan Men's Track and Field finished sixth at the North Central Cardinal Opener. Friday's meet marks AU's first full-team meet of the indoor season.

“I always love the first meet of the year. Not only is everyone anxious, but it also provides the team with baseline marks and times from which to build upon,” said coach Ryan Chapman. “With all these records going down, we can only look forward to what the season has in store.”

Freshman Wade Robinson finished eighth in the men's 60 meter dash. Robinson's time of 7.20 seconds broke AU's school record. “I'm glad I broke the record in my first event; but I know I can run faster,” said Robinson. “The best has yet to come.”

Fellow freshman Nick Williams won the men's long jump as Williams' mark of 7.16 meters broke his own school record in the event and finished fourth in the triple jump with another school record of 13.99 meters. Additionally, the mark set a Northern Athletics Conference record in the long jump. “Nick broke his own record today. Wade will also break his own record again by the end of the season. The best thing about these guys is that they are so humble. You do not see them parading around the competition celebrating,” said Chapman.

The distance medley relay of Fabian Cabrera, Alex Hoyle, Kyle Kayzar, and Drew Schmitt took fourth in overall competition. The mixture of upper and lower classman finished with a time 10:57.76. “I know that this is the second or third time that we have come within seconds of breaking the university's record,” said Kayzar.

Next action for the Spartan men's track and field team comes on Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2 when they travel to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill.