FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Nick Umholtz opened his 2007 season with a bang, throwing a qualifying mark for the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 35-pound weight throw at the Lumberjack Invitational at the J.L. Walkup Skydome.

Umholtz's throw of 65-7 ½, or exactly 20 meters, was 19 centimeters further than the USA qualifying mark in the weight of 19.81 meters. He finished second in the event behind former Roadrunner Arnaldo Cueto, who won the event with an amazing throw of 71-2 ½, which was easily a qualifying mark.

The weight throw was a positive all around for Bakersfield on Saturday in the season opener. After Cueto and Umholtz, Ian Banez was fifth at 57-6 ¾ in his first meet competing in the weight, Ryan Davis was seventh at 56-0, and Leo Chavez was eighth at 55-11 ¼.

In the women's weight, Katina Fruguglietti was also able to finish second with a throw of 47-6 ¼.

“I think that today was a positive way to open the season,” CSUB Head Coach Alan Collatz said. “We're a really young team and it was great to get out there and get some competition in and get the nerves out after practicing for so long.”

But Umholtz and Cueto weren't the only qualifiers to the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday. Another former Roadrunner, Chris Figures, earned his qualifying mark in the shot put after placing second at 62-6. Davis followed Figures with a personal-best indoor throw of 55-8 ½, while Banez was seventh at 53-8 ½.

In other competition for Bakersfield's men, Elliott Fowler took 10th in the 60 meters in 7.09 seconds.

Grace McClellan led Bakersfield's women with a personal-best high jump of 5-5 in her first meet of the season, while Peace Nwosu was third in the long jump at 15-2 ¼. Also for the Roadrunners, Felicia Jasso was seventh in the mile in 6:18.97, while Lina Nuñez was eighth (6:24.03) and Lauren Nolasco was 10th (6:37.99).

The Roadrunners return to Flagstaff in two weeks for their next competition at the Mountain T's Invitational.