Jim Steacy didn't miss a beat as he competed for the first time since the Beijing Summer Olympics, leading the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns track and field team to a strong showing at the Golden Bear Open track meet in Edmonton over the weekend.

Steacy, a Canadian Olympian for the first time this past summer, returned to participate in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) competition after taking last season off to concentrate on the Beijing Olympics. He did not disappoint with his performance, winning both the weight throw and shot put events, vaulting to the top of the CIS rankings in each discipline. In the weight throw, he measured a furthest throw of 22.80 metres, while his final throw of the shot put hit a mark of 16.41 metres.

Steacy was also honoured at the Athletics Alberta Awards Banquet on Saturday night, being named the Outstanding Senior Men's athlete of 2008. He was the first Canadian male hammer thrower in 80 years to compete in the Olympic Games. At the Beijing Olympics, Steacy qualified for the final in the men's hammer throw and finished in 10th place.

Reigning CIS champion Heather Steacy finished second in the weight throw at the Golden Bear Open with a measurement of 15.94 metres, moving her to second in the CIS women's rankings.

Other notable Pronghorn performances included: Kyle Murray qualifying as a finalist in the men's 60-metre dash while also finishing fifth in the 300-metres; and Simon Schaerz placing fifth in the men's 3000m.

The Horns track and field team continues to prepare for the Canada West Conference Championship meet, which will be hosted by the University of Regina, Feb. 27-28.