ADA, Ohio -- Freshman distance runner Josh Hickmott (Clay, N.Y./Liverpool) won his first Ohio Athletic Conference title as he won the 3000-meter steeplechase to lead the Baldwin Wallace University men's outdoor track and field team to fifth place after the first day of the OAC Championships hosted by Ohio Northern University inside Kerscher Stadium.

The top three individuals and the top three relay teams are recognized as All-Ohio Athletic Conference.

BW stands fifth of 10 teams after the first day with 23 points.   John Carroll University leads the championships with 72 points.

Hickmott, who was one of two Yellow Jackets to earn All-OAC honors, claimed the title by almost two seconds with a career-best time of 9:16.57.   Sophomore thrower Ted Achladis (Avon Lake/Elyria Catholic) earned his first outdoor All-OAC accolade as he was the runner-up in the discus with a mark of 154 feet and six inches. 

In addition, freshman jumper Alex Dempsey (Madison) placed fifth in the long jump with a career-best leap of 22'7". 

In relay action, the 4x800-meter team of freshman Spencer Roberts (Buffalo, N.Y./West Seneca West), junior Phil Spronz (Strongsville), senior Dylan Tanner (Mentor) and freshman Alex Delgado (Middleburg Heights/Berea-Midpark) finished eighth in a time of 8:49.56.

BW concludes the OAC Championships on Saturday, April 28.  Field events begin at 10:00 a.m. with running events slated to begin at 2:30 p.m.