WINDSOR, Ont. - The Golden Hawks track and field team returned to competition with a strong showing at the Can Am Classic at Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse in Windsor this past weekend.

The meet featured deep fields, with most Ontario University Athletics (OUA) programs represented. The overall depth of competition was comparable to that of the OUA championships, providing a strong early-season test across all events.

Entering the meet with promising relay potential and solid early results, the Golden Hawks used the competition to better define their medal prospects heading into the OUA championships in six weeks.

While individual relay splits were strong across all six relays, a combination of misfortune, race incidents and disqualifications limited Laurier's overall team results.

Laurier's top relay finish came in the men's 4x400, where the Golden Hawks placed third. The team was positioned to contend for first place before a collision on the second leg nearly brought Nolan Kuhlberg to the track.

The primary focus of the meet was gaining valuable relay experience, a goal the team achieved as it continues to build toward the championship phase of the season.

Individually, Nathan Hehn delivered one of the standout performances of the meet. He shattered the school record in the men's 300 metres, posting a time of 35.59 seconds to finish eighth overall. Hehn also recorded the fastest split of any athlete in the men's 4x400 relay.

Coaches were also impressed by Ciahan Malone, who ran Laurier's fastest leg on the women's 4x400 relay and placed eighth in the women's 600 metres with a time of 1:38.90.

Another highlight came from Kuhlberg, who finished sixth in the men's 600 metres in a time of 1:24.09.