Valparaiso, led by two top-three finishes from freshman Tom Heun (Brecksville, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights H.S.), in fifth place Saturday at the Chicago Invitational, hosted by the University of Chicago.

Heun showcased his versatility, posting a third-place finish in the 55 meter hurdles with a time of 8.11 seconds. He then moved to the long jump, where he finished in a tie for third, jumping 19'11 ¾".

The Crusaders excelled in the distance events, bringing home many top-ten finishes. Rich Krupar (Elyria, Ohio/Midview H.S.) ran a 2:03.93 for 800 meters, finishing fourth, while Dustin Lawrence (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central H.S.) came in eighth with a time of 2:10.16. Krupar also placed fourth in the one mile run, finishing in 4:35.96.

Jim Turchyn (Batesville, Ind./Batesville H.S.) finished just ahead of Krupar in the mile, posting a time of 4:32.53 for a third place finish. Turchyn followed that effort with a 9:16.30 in the 3000 meters, good for fourth place. David Wheeler (Saint Charles, Ill./Saint Charles East H.S.) placed third in the 3000 meters in 9:11.71, while Michael Brouch (Aurora, Ill./Marmion Academy) notched a sixth-place finish, completing the race in 9:18.38.

The Brown and Gold also did well in the throws. Steve Bartholomew (Valparaiso, Ind./Morgan Township H.S.) led the way in the weight throw, coming in fourth place with an effort of 47'10 ¾". Eric Smith (Portage, Ind./Portage H.S.) followed in fifth place with a throw of 46'1 ¼", while Jeff Swihart (Wakarusa, Ind./Northwood H.S.) placed seventh with a throw of 43'3". Swihart also finished ninth in the shot put with a toss of 39'1 ¼".

Valparaiso returns to action next weekend, traveling to Findlay, Ohio to take place in the Findlay Invitational on January 27th and 28th.