WICHITA—Tanner Brown led a group of five Shockers in the final overall heptathlon standings as the Wichita State men's track and field team wrapped up competition in the first meet of the year Thursday afternoon at the Heskett Center.
 
Brown, who is on the Wichita State roster, but competed unattached, won the overall contest, scoring 5,093 points. Brown set personal bests in the pole vault and 60-meter hurdles. Brown's overall score was also a personal best.
 
The Shockers put four more in the top six on the overall standings. Clay Eckert, Nate Vann, Lucas Shaffer and Davis Dubbert finished in spots three through six. Vann competed unattached, but is on Wichita State's roster.
 
Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Steve Rainbolt said he was pleased with how the season opener went for the Shockers.
 
"We had lots of very solid performances today and then also some that were not yet where we want to be," Rainbolt said. "I'm excited for the season for these guys. I was particularly happy for Clay Eckert in his first competition in a Shocker uniform. He really did well and appears to be benefiting from last year's redshirt."
 
Eckert and Vann used the pole vault to move up the leaderboard. They tied for the win, clearing 4.30m/14-1.25. Eckert also finished second in the 1,000 meters with a time of 2:47.27.
 
Grant Downes had a solid start to the day, winning the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.40, but he withdrew from the final two events.
 
The Shockers are back in action Friday for the Intrasquad Meet to cap off the week. The meet starts with field events at 10:30 a.m. at the Heskett Center. Admission is free.