April 2, 2008

Marv Frye Invitational Set for Saturday

Rain, shine—or snow—the Marv Frye Invitational will take place this weekend.

Fourteen men’s and women’s track and field teams representing five states will compete at OWU’s George Gauthier Track, starting on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., as discus, hammer, long jump, and javelin competitions heat up. Afternoon events include men’s and women’s steeplechase, relays, sprints, and hurdles.

An opportunity to compete against some of the best student-athletes in this portion of the country, as Laura Finkes, one of OWU’s assistant track and field coaches, explains, leads to possible qualification for conference, Ohio, and national championships.

“Students can have competitive experiences, good performances, and the added advantage of preparing for conference championships later on,” she says. And the Ohio championships for all Division III track and field teams is on April 12, also to be hosted by OWU.

“This is one of the largest championships in the country and one of the best in terms of [athletic] talent and accomplishment,” says Finkes.

As she explains, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that occurs before and during invitational competitions. From facilities management to securing officials, event timers, and “general” helpers, it is a dedicated team effort and well worth the work.

“This weekend’s meet honors Coach Marv Frye, one of OWU’s most beloved coaches,” says Finkes. Frye coached men’s track & field and cross country from 1960-1997, and has the second-longest coaching tenure in Ohio Wesleyan history.

Coach Frye’s indoor track & field teams won NCAC championships in 1989 and 1990, and his outdoor team won the NCAC title in 1990. He coached 22 All-America or Academic All-America performers—including seven national champions—in track and three in cross country. Frye, who works as the North Coast Athletic Conference director of track & field and cross country, will be here this weekend to cheer for the student-athletes.

“Coach Frye is so inspirational,” says Finkes. “Plus, we get to compete at home and really show our pride in OWU.”

– Pam Besel