Steve Bartholomew (Valparaiso, Ind./Morgan Township H.S.) obliterated the school record in the hammer throw and qualified for the NCAA Regional meet on the first day of competition Friday at the Pacesetter Invitational in Terre Haute, Ind.

Bartholomew's throw of 186'5" was good for a second-place finish among the 22 competitors in the event. The mark broke the previous Crusader record in the hammer by nearly 17 feet, and was over 20 feet better than Bartholomew's previous personal best. It is also the best effort in the event by a Mid-Con athlete this season.

Erik Lindamood (Bealeton, Va./Liberty H.S.) and Eric Smith (Portage, Ind./Portage H.S.) led the Crusader contingent in the shot put. Lindamood finished eighth with his toss of 43'11 ¼", while Smith followed him in ninth place with an effort of 43'9 ¼".

Valparaiso sits in a tie for third after the first day of action, as the Crusaders have accumulated 13 points. The meet continues Saturday morning on the campus of Rose-Hulman Institute, beginning at 11:00 a.m. CDT.