BEXLEY – The Wilmington College men's track team warmed up for next week's Ohio Athletic Conference meet by winning the Capital Classic Saturday.

"Today was a really good tune-up for both teams," said Wilmington head coach Ron Combs. "Everyone male and female got after it today.  I am really proud of the kids. It's been a difficult winter and the kids have had to persevere, but they are really showing some signs of life now. We are definitely hitting our stride coming into the OAC Meet next weekend at Mount Union."

Juniors Jake Sydnor (Owensville, OH/Clermont Northeastern) and Jake Simpkins (Germantown, OH/Valley View) contributed to two of Wilmington's three victories. Sydnor qualified for the OAC track meet in the 500 with a winning time of 1:07.43, and Simpkins won the mile in 4:26.38.

They teamed with sophomore Jeremy Duncan (Cincinnati, OH/Archbishop Moeller) and junior Derek Kilgo (Charlotte, NC/North Royalton) to win the 4x400 with the time of 3:24.85.

"That was our best time of the year by more than 6 seconds and should put us in the fast heat in the OAC Championships next weekend, which was our goal going into the race," said Combs.

Kilgo added to his impressive day by finishing second in the 200 (22.83) and qualified OAC's in the 60, placing third (7.08). Freshman Chase Manica (Shelbyville, OH/Shelby County) also qualified for OAC's in the 200 with the time of 23.65.

Sophomore Leevi Stump (Mount Vernon, OH/Mount Vernon) finished second in the triple jump (12.61) and third in the long jump (6.43). Sophomore Antone Truss (Yellow Springs, OH/Yellow Springs) was fourth in the high jump (1.83), freshman Zak Kruer (Miamisburg, OH/Miamisburg) was fourth in the pole vault (4.12) and junior Tyler Carter (Grafton, OH/Midview) was fourth in the shot put (13.52).