Steve Bartholomew (Valparaiso, Ind./Morgan Township) posted an NCAA Regional qualifying mark in the hammer throw Saturday to lead the Crusader men's track and field team at the Puma Invitational in Rensselaer, Ind., hosted by Saint Joseph's.

Bartholomew registered a toss of 191'2", surpassing the qualifying standard by nearly nine feet and breaking his own school record in the event by 19 inches. The junior also captured top honors in the discus, posting a mark of 162'6".

Brett Maynard (Pawcatuck, Conn./Stonington) captured his first individual event victory of the season Saturday, beating Bartholomew and six other competitors in the javelin throw. Maynard won the event with a distance of 167'11".

On the track, Valparaiso was led by Chris Honig (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard South [Indiana]), who set a new meet record with a time of 4:03.50 in the 1,500m run. Rich Krupar III (Elyria, Ohio/Midview) also won on the track, crossing the line first in the 800m run with a time of 2:00.29.

Valparaiso returns to the track at the Hillsdale Gina Relays on the campus of Hillsdale College Thursday through Saturday, April 26 through 28. The meet kicks off Thursday at 2:15 p.m. CDT.