Valparaiso took to the track in Ypsilanti, Mich. Saturday, and brought home a fourth place finish at the Central Collegiate Championships, hosted by Eastern Michigan.

The Crusaders tallied 44 points on the meet. Michigan took top team honors with 270 points.

Steve Bartholomew (Valparaiso, Ind./Morgan Township H.S.) led the way for the Brown and Gold with two fourth-place finishes. Bartholomew earned his finishes with tosses of 158'3" in the discus and 176'10" in the hammer throw.

Erik Lindamood (Bealeton, Va./Liberty H.S.) had a strong performance in the shot put. Lindamood had a best effort of 45'1 ¾", good for seventh place.

Rich Krupar (Elyria, Ohio/Midview H.S.) led three Valpo runners taking part in the 3,000m steeplechase. Krupar crossed the line in fifth position, covering the course in 10:14.16.

The Crusaders placed two runners in the top ten in the 5,000m run. David Wheeler (Saint Charles, Ill./East H.S.) placed seventh in 15:42.44, while Jordan Stanfill (Goshen, Ind./Goshen H.S.) followed in 15:55.66, finishing in ninth place.

Valparaiso will return to the track Saturday, April 29, heading to Iowa to take part in the Drake Relays. The first event is scheduled for a 2:15 p.m. CDT start.