The University of Maine track and field teams competed at the 2015 edition of the Wildcat Invitational at the University of New Hampshire on Saturday. Maine came away from the event with 16 first place finishes between the men’s and women’s teams.

On the men’s side, the Black Bears success started on the field, where North Yarmouth native and fourth-year thrower Alexander Parenteau captured the top spot in the javelin throw with a distance of 58.22 meters. Fellow Maine native and first-year thrower Adam Lufkin secured his first collegiate victory in outdoor track by hurling the discus 42 meters.

Maine also won the high jump and triple jump events. With the victory in the triple jump, third-year and Maine native Julian Hubbard continues his outdoor winning streak.

The Black Bears’ success also spilled over onto the track for the running events. Maine got it started at the distance races, taking home first place in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Old Town resident Jake Leithiser placed first in the 800-meter race. Maine also got the top spot in the 400-meter hurdles and the 4×400-meter relay.

Other Black Bear notable finishes included a second and third place finish in the javelin, as Maine would sweep the podium. Maine was also able to secure a second place finish in the hammer throw and discus. Maine was unable to get first place in the pole vault, but was able to hold onto second and third place finishes.

In the running events, the Black Bears had a third place finish in the 3000-meter race, as well as a second and third place finish in the 1500-meters. In the shorter race, the 200-meter dash, Maine sprinter Mozai Nelson placed second. Maine had two podium finishes, second and third, in the 5000-meter race to close out the meet.

On the women’s side, the success continued for the Black Bears. On the field, fourth-year thrower Robyn McFetters continued to impress with her first place finish in the hammer throw with a distance of 53.43 meters. Also placing first in discus for the second straight meet was second-year Ashley Donohoe, with a throw of 43.13 meters. Maine also took home the win in the triple jump.

On the track, Maine was dominant in the mid-range distances and relays. Maine took home first place in both the 4×100-meter and the 4×400-meter relays. For Maine, it was their second straight week taking the top spot in the 4×400. Maine natives Teal Jackson and Jaclyn Masters won the 400-meter and 800-meter races respectively.

Notable finishers for the women included second place finishes in the hammer throw, shot put, triple jump and pole vault events. Shannon O’Neil placed second in the 400-meters and Black Bear sprinter Katelyn Guilmette raced her way to the No. 2 spot in the 100-meter dash. The Black Bears also held onto third place in the 800-meters, and Masters was able to secure a second place finish in the 200-meter dash.

Maine track and field will return to action on April 15 and 16 at the Holy Cross Multi Meet.