The Valparaiso men's track and field team kicked off its 2007 outdoor season Saturday at the Mike Poehlein Invitational in West Lafayette, Ind., hosted by Purdue.

Chris Honig (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard South [Indiana]) led the Crusaders with a victory in the 3,000m steeplechase. Honig crossed the line in 9:43.64, defeating nine other runners.

On the infield, Steve Bartholomew (Valparaiso, Ind./Morgan Township) posted two top-five finishes in the throws. Bartholomew registered a mark of 166'8" in the discus throw, good for third place, and followed with a toss of 175'10" in the hammer throw to finish fifth.

The Crusaders return to the track in two weeks time. Some team members will be competing at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif. on April 13, while most of the squad will be in action at the Miami Invitational in Oxford, Ohio on April 14.