Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian Men's Track and Field had a great showing at the Puma Outdoor Invitational hosted Paradise Valley Community College as they saw six athletes or relay teams finish in the top three.  Sophomore Rodrick Griffin hurdled his way to an NAIA Nationals qualifying mark.

In the 400 meter hurdles, Griffin was joined by Junior Marcus Howard and Freshmen Matt Castillo. Griffin ran his way to a second place finish with a time of 54.35 which meets as an NAIA B standard to qualify for nationals.  Howard ran a time of 56.58 to grab fourth.  Castillo ran a time of 1:07.71.

Sticking with the 400 meter distance, the 4x400 relay team of Sophomore Justin Barnes, Griffin, Freshman Tanner Hilton, and Sophomore Karl Kleppe teamed together for a time of 3:40.12 to place second.

The other relay team- 4x100- of Barnes, Sophomore Tyler Ellenberger, Griffin, and Sophomore Steven James raced their way to a time of 43.19.

Howard and Castillo showed well in the 110 meter hurdles by posting times of 15.21 and 16.94 respectively for a fourth and seventh place finish.

Moving on to field events, James was the man in the jumping events.  In the triple jump, he used his final attempt to post a distance of 44'3.25" and secure first place.  A 20'10.75" best effort in the long jump saw him place fourth.  His high jump mark of 5'8.75" garnered a third place finish.

The lone throwing event participated in by ACU was the javelin.  Senior Cale Campbell let loose a 168'8" heave that allowed him to claim second.  Freshman Jordan Leary reached 134'1" with his best throw for ninth.  Sophomore Karl Kleppe was tenth with a 127'1" throw.

The Firestorm will have a week off before appearing in two meets in a two day span beginning with the Mesa Classic hosted by Mesa Community College on Friday, April 8.