TRACK AND FIELD
1891
The Fifth annual Field Day was held on May 30. The beginning of school records dates back to this event.
1892
The first official track team sanctioned by the University is started.
1886
"Field Sports are very old in Cincinnati, and like many old things, they have once died and have been born again. The renaissance of field sports in this city is due to the University. The subject began to be talked of in 1886, but it was not until June 3, 1887 that field day actually occurred." - 1886 Cincinnatian.
1887
The University of Cincinnati united with other colleges from Ohio to form a committee making the State Intercollegiate meet possible. UC was represented at this meet.
1898
Adna L. Innes set a new record in the 220-yard dash in a time of 23 3/5 seconds. Chas E. Salmon set two new field records including the running broad jump (20'1") and the running hop, step, jump (42'4.5").
1899
The track team did not materialize, and the field day was not held following a problem arranging dual meets.
1900
Captain Harry Burk died May 6, 1900. Five track team members made the first ever "C" honor roll for recording a first place finish. A new plan for field days was adopted, resulting in a tri-meet against Miami University (OH) and Ohio State. UC placed first.
1901
War debts closed the fields, displacing the track team, and making it impossible to hold intercollegiate meets. There was an inter-class field day held.
1906
The first mention of an actual coach (other years only mentioned the captains and managers) was John A. Davis.
1907
Stowe D. Baldwin was captain, and H.F. Koening Jr. was manager.
1908
Two dual meets were scheduled, although one was cancelled due to bad weather. Miami was victorious in the other meet.
1909
UC placed first in the Celts Meet. Helbig was captain; Brown was manager.
1910
Scheduled meets listed, but results are not reported. Johnson was manager. Competed in an intercollegiate meet against Miami (OH) and Butler University.
1911
Ralph Belsinger, nicknamed "eight stride," became the first African-American track member. He would run until 1915. Manager was James W. Pottenger. Barr was Captain.
1912
Was hailed as one of the strongest team in the Midwest. Set nine new state records in duel meet against Kentucky College. Relay team beat Miami (OH), Ohio State, and Ohio Wesleyan during Y.M.C.A. Carnival Meet.
1913
Cincinnati finished third in both the Y.M.C.A and the C.A.A.F meets.
1915
Could have been considered the best team in history (up to this point), but events were limited due to the war. Won all the local indoor meets, but lost to Ohio University. No outdoor meets were scheduled.
1916
UC placed second to Ohio State in Carson Field Meet (at home). Tommy Rodgers set a new record in the1/4 mile, finishing the race in 50 3/4 seconds. He also equaled a state record in the Big Six Meet. Rypins lowered the two mile record to 10:20, while the relay team set a new record of 3:28 3/5.
1918
Coach Nikoloff took over. The team beat Ohio Wesleyan for the first time ever.
1919
Cincinnati beat Ohio Wesleyan for the second year in the row, and placed first in an indoor triangular meet. They also tied for fourth in the Big Six. Mittendorf set a new varsity record.
1920
The team was hindered by poor field conditions, but they did manage to down Miami in the final meet of the season.
1921
Beating Indiana and Georgetown, the track team qualified 10 members to the "C" honor roll. They also tied for fourth in the Y.M.C.A Carnival Meet.
1922
Due to low interest, UC failed to win a meet. They placed fourth in the Big Six Meet, however, and "Big Joe" Linneman set a new state record in the 16-pound shot, throwing it 44'51/2".
1923-24
First year Head Coach, McLaren implemented drastically different training techniques transforming the Bearcat team. Practice was held five miles away on the high school track, forcing the team to show their dedication and determination just to get there. There was rarely more than a ten-point margin between UC and their competitors, allowing them to be viewed as tough opposition by the end of the season. The Bearcats placed third in the Y.M.C.A meet, then after losing a close meet to Denison, smashed Ohio University. Georgetown College then fell to the Bearcats, at home. After a loss to Miami, UC placed third in the Big Six Meet.
1925
The Bearcat relay team placed third in the Triangular Meet, second in the YMCA Meet, and first in the Cincinnati Gym Meet. As a team, UC downed Georgetown and Ohio University. Yarwood broke three records during the season.
1926
George McLaren completed his stretch as Head Coach in style as the team posted their best finish up to this point. The Bearcats went undefeated in dual meet competition, and finished third in the Buckeye Meet, with the runners scoring more points than any other school. The relay team broke a school record in the forth place finish in the Big Six Meet, but because they didn't win the race, the mark didn't count. Ralph Bennett twice equaled world records for the curved track mark in the 220-yard dash, and won every race he entered. He set a new school record in the 220 of 21.3 seconds, a mark that would stay in the top-10 all time performances until the end of the century.
1928-29
Ralph Bursick set a record in the 120 high hurdle race, finishing in a time of 15.6 seconds. It would remain untouched for the next 13 years.
1930
The first meet of the season was held indoors against Ohio University. Although the team struggled against injuries all season, the Bearcats posted a stellar performance against Kenyon University, winning 111-6. During that match, UC took every first place, and all but one second. The team placed fifth in the Buckeye Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (BIAC).
1929-30
Nikoloff coach. The first meet of the season was held indoors against Ohio University. Although the team struggled against injuries all season, the Bearcats posted a stellar performance against Kenyon University, winning 111-6. During that match, UC took every first place, and all but one second. The team placed fifth in the Buckeye Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (BIAC).
1930-31
Charles Kinsley led the Bearcats to a fifth place finish in the BIAC Meet. Kinsley finished first in the 100 and 220-yard dashes in every meet but one. John Fleming was the leading scorer on the field team, winning the high jump against both Ohio University and with a height of 6'1" against DePauw. As a team, UC posted seven first-place finishes against Denison.
1931-32
Seven records were set during the BIAC meet, including a 12'5.25" vault by Marshall of Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to a fifth place finish. UC also defeated Denison with a score of 79-52 during the second dual meet of the season. Curley Metz was the high scorer for Cincinnati, setting a new school record by throwing the discus 125'6". The team lost a close meet to Carnegie Tech due to a technicality. Located in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Tech participated under different rules than did UC. The Carnegie coach insisted on including the hammer throwing event, even though it was not an event UC had ever participated, and garnered nine unanswered points, giving them the small victory by a score of 70 1/3-69 2/3.
1934
London Gant set a new school record in the Javelin, tossing 193'0". It is still ranked on the all-time top-10 list.
1937
Now under the guidance of Coach Chic Mileham, UC beat Hanover College, and placed forth in the BIAC Meet. James Ritz placed second in the two-mile race at the BIAC, and Cannon won the Mile. Larry Gibboney showed well for the field team, placing forth in the discuss.
1938
The Bearcats beat Hanover for the second consecutive year, led by William Hopkins who won the 220 and the 440, and anchored the winning relay team.
1940
Head Cross Country coach Oliver Nickoloff took over at the helm, and guided the team to a win in the Tri-Meet vs. Wittenberg and Dayton. He instilled a new recruiting system, aiding in the addition of high school stars and local standouts to the roster for following years.
1940-41
Freshmen were able to compete on varsity for the first time, aiding the Bearcats in wins over Hanover College, and Berea College. Cincinnati placed fifth in the All-Ohio meet, beating Ashland and Dayton Universities.
1941-42
Willie Stargel tied a record set in 1929 in the 120 high hurdles. Stargel finished the race in 15.6 seconds.
1947-48
Posted a 2-1 dual record, placing third in the Tri-Meet, and fifth in the Mid-American Conference Meet. The freshmen produced a strong team, defeating freshman teams from Ohio University and Miami (OH).
1948-49
Won two dual meets, and finished second in two Tri-Meets. Placed fourth in the Mid-American Conference Meet, and first in the Cincinnati area AAU Meet. 880 relay team set a new school record, finishing the race in 1:32.0.
1949-50
Donald Fisher set a record in the tri-meet against Butler and Western Michigan. Fisher threw the shot put 48'5 3/4". The Bearcats placed fifth as a team in the Conference Meet. The highlight of the year was a 98-24 victory over Xavier. Cincinnati captured 12 of 14 first places in that meet.
1950-51
Records set in 440 dash by Robert MacVeigh (49.5) and the mile relay team (3:24.4). Cincinnati placed fourth in the MAC Conference Meet, and won two Tri-Meets. UC tied for fourth in the Ohio College Meet.
1951-52
Cincinnati went 2-2 on the season, placing third in the Mid-American Conference Meet, and eighth in the Ohio College Meet. Ted Corbitt placed 38th in the Olympic Games in the Marathon. Bob MacVeigh also qualified to the Olympic Trials.
1952-53
Don Wahle dominated in both the one and two mile runs, setting new school records in each (one-mile, 4:26.6; two-mile 9:52.5). William Shalosky tossed the discuss 49'2" beating the record. Robert Husic threw the discus an impressive 142' 11.5" also setting a new record. The team finished fourth in the MAC Meet.
1953-54
UC went 2-1 on the season, beating Berea College and Central State at home. They came in second at the Tri-Meet in Hanover, IN. The Bearcats finished seventh at the Ohio College Meet, with six individuals and one relay team placing in the top five.
1954-55
Robert Crawford jumped 6'3.25" to set a new UC record in the high jump. The Bearcats beat Butler University in a downpour by 1/3 of a point to capture their only win of the season.
1955-56
Cincinnati finished with a 3-2 record on the season, setting four new school records in the process. The 880 Relay team finished the race in a time of 1:30.7. Don Havlicek broke a record set in 1929, finishing the 120 high hurdles in a time of 15.4 seconds. Wayne Stevens jumped 23 feet in the broad jump, and William Roth catapulted to 12'7.5" in the Pole Vault.
1956-57
William Roth catapulted into the record books, posting a 13'3.5" jump to set a new school record. The Bearcats went 5-1 on the season, and scored three points in the Missouri Valley Conference Meet, scored by Roth after he placed third in the pole vault.
1957-58
Finishing seventh in the difficult Missouri Valley Conference Meet, UC beat Butler and DePauw. Bill Roth bettered UC's high jump record, posting a 6' 4" finish.
1958-59
Coach Nikoloff retired at the end of the season. The Bearcats smashed Berea and Bellarmine (81-51-30) at the Tri-Meet in Kentucky. Cincinnati ended the season with an eighth place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference Meet. Bill Roth bettered his own high jump record by an eighth of an inch.
1959-60
Tay Baker took over at the helm for the track team. Cincinnati finished in seventh at the Missouri Valley Conference Meet, and placed third in the Ohio Wesleyan Meet.
1960-61
Posting a three and five season, Cincinnati placed second in two Tri-Meets, and first in the Kentucky Tri-Meet against Louisville and Bellarmine. Andy Edwards set a new school record in the discus, throwing 41'4".
1961-62
UC recorded their best season since 1956, posting a 5-1 record on the season and placing sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Bearcats also defended their title against Bellarmine and Louisville, again downing both in the Tri-Meet. Carl Burgess preformed impressively during the season, setting school records in the high jump (6'7") and high hurdles (15.1), and tied the record in the low hurdles. Burgess was also a member of the 880 Relay team that set a new record in a time of 1:29.8.
1962-63
Cincinnati went undefeated, winning all four of their dual meets. The Bearcats also placed second at the Missouri Valley Conference Meet, the highest place in that meet up to this point. Nine new school records were set, and one as tied in the course of the season. Carl Burgess again led the team, setting five records on his own. Breaking his own record in the 120-yard high hurdles (15.0), he also broke the high jump mark (6'8 3/4") and broad jump (23'3"). Setting a high standard in two new events, Burgess finished the 220 medium hurdles in 41.2, and the renewed hop, step, jump in 44-8. Burgess went on to represent UC in the NCAA Track and Field Championships.
1963-64
Dave Dunkelberger took over as Head Coach. Thirteen new records were set, leaving only the shot, discus, pole vault and high jump events untouched. Carl Burgess was impressive again, setting four individual records and participating on two record setting relay teams. He was also the only triple winner in the Missouri Valley Conference Meet, taking high jump, broad jump and high hurdles. Co-Captain Bob Howell set two new records in the dashes, and won the 100 and 220 at the MVC.
1964-65
The loss of standout Carl Burgess to grades was a blow to the track team, as they went 0-5 on the season. Burgess did however compete in the indoor season, setting 6'9" in the high jump to set a new school record. John Jennings equaled the pole vault record set by Bill Roth in 1960 when he jumped 13'7". Martin Peret received the first Jimmy Nippert Award.
1965-66
Cincinnati placed sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), and beat Hanover College to better their previous record. Jim Sweeterman broke the school record, tossing the shot put 50' 8.5". Denny Woodruff broke set a new mark of 149' 2" in discus.
1966-67
Gary Truce took over as the new head coach. UC set six new records, and placed fifth in the MVC Meet. Cornelius Lindsey set a new mark in the high jump, leaping 6'10", and finished the 120 high hurdles in 14.6 for a new record.
1967-68
Cincinnati boycotted the Kentucky Relays held in Lexington. High jumper Cornelius Lindsey, and runners Jim Calloway and Chuck Roberts all qualified for the NCAA Track and Field Championships. Lindsey set a MVC record, jumping 6'8" and winning the conference meet. He also qualified in the 120 hurdles. Calloway won the 880 dash at the MVC, setting a school and conference record (1:50.6). The Bearcats finished fourth in the MVC. In all, eight new records were set. Lindsey became the first UC track member to score in the NCAA. Team and action photos exist.
1968-69
Paul Armor began his first year as Head Coach. Cincinnati went 7-3 on the season, placing sixth in the MVC Meet. Eight new individual records were set, with Jim Callaway posting two of the records himself (one-mile, 4:09.8; 880-yard dash 1:50.4).
1969-70
Al Lanier qualified for the NCAA Track and Field Championships, with a long jump of 25'4" and a triple jump of 50' 1/4". He was undefeated in the long jump until the Central Collegiates, where he placed second. He set new school records in both events. He finished sixth in the Triple jump in a distance of 49'8 3/4", earning the first ever Bearcat point at the National Meet. Lanier placed 13th in the long jump. As a team, Cincinnati placed third in the MVC, and set seven new school records.
1971
Al Lanier again makes an appearance in the NCAA Championships in the triple jump.
1972
After two years of trying, Al Lanier became the first All-American in track, scoring the accolade in the long jump. Winning the acclaimed Drake Relays in the same event, he also qualified to the Olympic Trials.
1973
Al Lanier is one of three UC athletes to compete at the NCAA Championships and becomes the first and only Bearcat to earn All-American accolades in two events in the same year, doing so in the triple jump and long jump. Jim Stanley is also named an All-American in the 10,000 meters, while Ron Stapleton competed in the 5,000 meters.
1974
Jim Stanley goes back to the NCAA's in the 10,000 meters, this time being joined by Jim Schnur, who qualifies in the 400 meters.
1975
Jim Schnur makes a second NCAA appearance in the 400 meters, being joined at the championships by teammate Barry Pajcic (880-yard run).
1976
Jim Schnur makes it three-for-three, advancing to the NCAA's in the decathlon for the first time.
1977
Wayne Mason, another of UC's four-time NCAA qualifiers competes in the championships for the first time in the 60-yard high hurdles, joining Jim Schnur (decathlon) at the meet.
1978
Jim Schnur closes out a stellar UC career with another trip to the NCAA's, this time in both the 60 decathlon and the 400 meters. Wayne Mason makes his second consecutive trip in the 60-yard high hurdles.
1979
Bernie Weber (shot put) joins Wayne Mason (60-yard high hurdles) in competing at the NCAA Championships.
1980
After four years of trying, Wayne Mason finally earns All-American honors, scoring in the 110-meter high hurdles. He also qualified for the Olympic trials. Women's team becomes official. Bernie Weber received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1981
Bill Schnier takes over the reigns of the program, heading both the cross country and track and field programs. Chris Gilbert received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1982
Women's team discontinued. Kari Yli-Renko received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1983
Rodney Johnson makes an NCAA appearance in the high jump, while also being tabbed Outstanding Performer at the Metro Conference Outdoor Championships.
1984
Metro Conference Champions: Outdoor-Doug Wiesman (800 meters). Chad Disbennett earned All-American honors for his performance in the 3000-meter Steeplechase. Former Bearcat, Jim Schnur, competed in the Olympic Trials. Jeff Johnson received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1985
Metro Conference Champions: Outdoor-Chris Bean (long jump). Scott Jones received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1986
Chris Bean makes an appearance in the NCAA Championships, competing in the long jump, where he finishes 13th.
Metro Conference Champions: Outdoor-4x400 meter relay team.
1987
Lewis Johnson sets a still existing record of 1:47.00 in the 800 meters in the midst of an All-American season in the event. He competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials.
1988
Metro Conference Champions: Outdoor-Richard Hurst (hammer). Brian Hatch received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1989
Metro Conference Champions: Outdoor-Richard Hurst (hammer, discus).
1990
Metro Conference Champions: Outdoor-Richard Hurst (hammer, discus), Jason Shaffer (decathlon). Dwight Drefs received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1991
Metro Conference Champions: Outdoor-Chris Krastas (javelin). Richard Hurst received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1992
The men's team scores the first conference team championships in program history, sweeping both the indoor and outdoor crowns of the Great Midwest Conference. For leading the squad to victory, Bill Schnier earns indoor and outdoor coach of the year honors. Scott Ference is named GMC Outstanding Athlete at the outdoor championships. Drew Hardyk received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
Great Midwest Conference Champions-Indoor: 4x400 meter relay team, Chad Disbennett (5,000 meters), Chris Krastas (high jump), Jeremy Smith (pole vault). Outdoor-4x100 meter relay team, Scott Ference (hammer, discus, shot put), Chris Krastas (decathlon, javelin), Ron Quercioli (high jump), Chris Watkins (long jump)
1993
The Bearcat men's team makes it back-to-back sweeps of the Great Midwest Conference Championships, again winning both indoor and outdoor titles. Scott Keane was named GMC Newcomer of the Year at the indoor championships after finishing second in the weight throw and shot put, while head coach Bill Schnier was honored as the coach of the year. Chris Watkins is selected as the Athlete of the Meet at the GMC Outdoor Championships.
Great Midwest Conference Champions: Indoor-Mike Albrinck (pole vault), Chad Disbennett (3,000 meter steeplechase), Ron Quercioli (high jump), Eric Walker (800 meters). Outdoor-4x100 meter relay team, Chris Watkins (100 meters, 200 meters, long jump).
1994
UC continues to dominate the Great Midwest Conference, winning both men's team titles for the third consecutive year. The Bearcats break a seven-year dry spell by sending a pair of athletes to the NCAA Championships. Chad Disbennett goes in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, earning All-American honors, while Mike Albrinck qualifies in the pole vault.
Great Midwest Conference Champions-Indoor: Elmer Brewer (pole vault). Outdoor-Adam Manning (400 meter hurdles), Chad Disbennett (3,000 meter steeplechase)
1995
UC wins a fourth straight Great Midwest Men's Indoor Championship, but has the outdoor title string snapped at three. Bill Schnier is honored as the GMC's Indoor Coach of the Year. Women's team competes for the first time since 1982.
Great Midwest Conference Champions-Indoor: 4x400 meter relay team, Lance Beck (800 meters), Matt Botos (pole vault), Chris Watkins (long jump, 55 meters). Outdoor: Aaron Archer (decathlon, javelin), Matt Botos (pole vault), Chad Disbennett (3,000 meter steeplechase), Adam Manning (400 meter hurdles). Julie Snyder received the Helen Norman Smith Award.
1996
UC captures the first ever Conference USA Men's Outdoor Championship. The women's team returns to competition after a 13-year absence. By qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Chad Disbennett writes his name in the UC history books as one of only five men ever to compete in multi NCAA meets for the Bearcats. He also received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
Conference USA Champions-Indoor: Distance medley relay team, Jason Unger (long jump). Outdoor: Chad Disbennett (5,000 meters), Ben Novak (pole vault), David Yimsumruay (decathlon).
1997
Conference USA Champions- Indoor: Tim Berwanger (weight throw), Jeremy Bucher (3,000 meters).Outdoor: Jeremy Bucher (5,000 meters), Adam Manning (400 meter hurdles), David Yimsumruay (decathlon). Scott Keane received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1998
The men's team competes during indoor season for the final time.
Conference USA Champions-Indoor: Mike Seymour (5,000 meters). Outdoor: Jeremy Bucher (3,000 meter steeplechase). Jeremy Bucher received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
1999
Conference USA Champions-Indoor: Kelly Krupa (weight throw). Outdoor: Greg Schumacher (110 meter hurdles), Mike Yoder (decathlon). The 800 relay team finished first at the Penn Telays. David Payne became an all-American for his performance in the 110 high hurdles. Yoder was named C-USA scholar athlete of the year. Karen Nelson received the Helen Norman Smith Award.
2000
Conference USA Champions-Outdoor: Jamie Lewis (pole vault).
2001
The Bearcat women's team has its first ever All-American as Mimi Merrill garners the honor in the shot put during indoor season. She also earned the Helen Norman Smith Award. The men's squad wins the Conference USA outdoor crown, with a dramatic last event victory. Mike Yoder received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
Conference USA Champions-Indoor: Mimi Merrill (weight throw). Outdoor: Brandon Hon (110 meter hurdles).
2002
For the first time in school history, the men's and women's team are split into separate squads, each with their own head coach. Long-time assistant and UC Hall of Famer Jim Schnur takes over as head coach of the women's team. Charlyn Ray becomes just the second female track and field athlete ever at UC to participate in the NCAA meet. Ray, competing in the 200 meters, scores a 19th place finish in the preliminaries of the event. The shuttle hurdle relay team captures the championship at the Drake Relays. Chris Camfield received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
Conference USA Champions-Indoor: Charlyn Ray (200 meters), Angie Kist (mile). Outdoor: David Payne (110 meter hurdles), Chris Smith (pole vault), Chris Wineberg (decathlon), Charlyn Ray (200 meters).
2003
David Payne became the seventh male All-American in UC track and field history when he placed third in the nation in the 110-meter hurdles. During the finals, Payne shattered the school record with a new best of 13.53 seconds. Muhammad Saafir named USTCA Academic All-American. Chris Hoeffer received the Jimmy Nippert Award.
Conference USA Champions-Indoor: Jo Young (shot put). Outdoor: Ruth Limo (10,000 meters)
Coaches:
Bill Schnier 1980-present
Lansing Holman 1975-80
Bill Kalyer 1972-75
Chuck Hunsaker 1970-72
Paul Armour 1986-70
Gary Truce 1965-70
Dave Dunkelburger 1963-65
Tay Baker 1959-63
Chic Mileham 1937-40
George McLaren 1923-26
Oliver Nikoloff 1917-59
Broadbeck 1915
John A. Davis 1906
