Sophomore Russ Bell set an MU school record in the hammer throw (201-11) at day one of the Tom Botts Invitational here Friday afternoon. Bell's mark is also an NCAA provisional qualifying mark.Sophomore Russ Bell set an MU school record in the hammer throw (201-11) at day one of the Tom Botts Invitational here Friday afternoon. Bell's mark is also an NCAA provisional qualifying mark.
Track & Field

Bell, Hils Win At Day One Of Tom Botts Invitational

April 13, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri track and field team turned in great performances at day one of the Tom Botts Invitational here Friday evening.

Sophomores Russ Bell and Kerry Hils picked up victories in the hammer and steeplechase respectively. Bell ripped a 201-11 in the hammer, which is a provisional mark and a school record. Hils ran a 10:37.5 in the steeplechase, which set a stadium and meet record. Hils' time is also an NCAA provisional mark. Junior Ben Dean also picked up a win for the Tigers in the long jump with a mark of 23-6.75, which is a career best.

Aside from Bell and Dean, several other MU tracksters recorded personal best on day one of the Botts meet. Sophomore Christian Cantwell threw 183-2 in the hammer for second place behind Bell, while senior Eli Sommerfeldt and sophomore Abbe Ohneck posted a mark of 18-6.5 to tie for second place. Junior Ryan Fitzgerald also recorded a personal best in the 5000m run (14:54.32).

The Tigers take to the track again tomorrow with day two of the Botts Invitational. Day two opens with the women's javelin at 9:00 a.m