MANKATO, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's track & field team finished fifth out of five teams at the Chuck Petersen Open Friday night in Mankato, Minn., to open the season.
 
Jerome Thomas III kicked off the track events in the 60 meters, finishing 13th. His time of 7.15 ties for the sixth-fastest mark in program history. Noah Johnson followed with a ninth-place finish in the mile, with Daniel Decory close behind in 11th. In the 800 meters, Tyler Franke and Aidyn Yerkin placed fifth and sixth, respectively.
 
In the field events, Juan "JT" Garza III led the Cougars in the shot put, while Kincade Eisenbacher recorded the team's top result in the weight throw.
 
The Cougars compete next on Jan. 17 at the Ole Opener in Northfield, Minn.