SHAWNEE, Okla. (May 5, 2016) – Austin Wallace and Ryan Parker each posted a top-five finish in the javelin as Oklahoma Christian began competition on Thursday in the inaugural Great American Conference Track and Field Championships at the Hurt Memorial Track Complex.

Although limited somewhat by injury, Wallace opened with a throw of 160 feet, 8 inches (48.97 meters), giving him the lead until the last of six throws, when two competitors passed him. The winning throw by Josh Syrotchen of Harding (Ark.) was 165 feet, 5 inches (50.42 meters).

Parker, a senior, competed in the javelin to try and pick up team points for the Eagles, and he succeeded with his fifth-place finish. His top throw of 139 feet, 3 inches (42.44 meters) was a personal best in the event by more than 13 feet.

OC's other field-event competitor on Thursday was Toye Alao, who placed seventh in the hammer with a throw of 74 feet, 3 inches (22.64 meters), his best-ever mark in an event in which he rarely participates.

The Eagles had four runners in the day's final event, the 10,000 meters. Senior Bryant Keirns led that group with a seventh-place finish (among 14 runners) in 33:19.34. Ben Reed finished 10th but posted a personal-best time of 34:03.10.

OC joined the GAC as an affiliate member for track and field for this season. The Lady Eagles are competing against Oklahoma Baptist, Southern Nazarene, Rogers State, East Central, Southern Arkansas and Harding in the GAC.

The meet will finish on Friday.