PHILADELPHIA – Yesterday marked the fist day of competition at the 2008 Penn Relays, marking the 114th year of one of the most prestigious events in the sport and the Lock Haven University men’s and women’s track and field teams turned in some extremely solid performances at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field.

The big story on the track yesterday for the Haven came in the Men’s 5K Championship as senior distance standout Ryan Blood (Summerdale, Pa./East Pennsboro) shattered his fourth school record in as many races.

Blood finished ninth overall in the top section of the 5,000 meter run with a time of 14:02.49. His time broke the school record by over 16 seconds and marks a NCAA Division II Automatic Qualifying time. He is currently ranked fourth nationally.

In the second heat of the men’s 5K Brandon Pomertantz (Holland, Pa./Council Rock North) finished 20th with a time of 14:51.48, smashing his personal best time by 26 seconds.

The women’s side the Lady Eagles 4x400 meter relay team won their heat as Amanda Reinmiller (Conyngham, Pa./Hazleton) outkicked the anchor leg from University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

The Lady Eagles foursome clocked a season-best 3:59.55, edging UMBC by .27 seconds while also topping conference rival Kutztown in the race.

Leading off the relay was Angela Pierce (Media, Pa./Penncrest) followed by Alyssa Douma (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) and Meagan Wolf (Pottstown, Pa./Owen J. Roberts).

LHU also sent two of their women’s throwers to the field and they were led by Jen Andrews (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg) and Jakia Gumby (Middletown, Pa.Middletown).

Andrews placed 12th in the women’s shot put with a mark of 42-3, as she continues to lead the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in the event.

Gumby took 19th in the women’s hammer with a mark of 146-6 and Andrews was 23rd in the same event with a throw of 134-9.

The Bald and Lady Eagles are back in action at the Penn Relays today as several athletes are schedule to take part in the competition, including two-time All-American high jumper to Chelsea Morse (Beaver Dams, N.Y./Campbel-Savona), who is in action later today.