Feb. 28, 2004

Findlay, Ohio - Grand Valley State continued its dominance at the the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships Saturday (Feb. 28) in Findlay, Ohio, by capturing both the men's and women's titles. The GVSU men's and women's programs have now captured five straight GLIAC Indoor titles since 2000. The Laker men took top honors with 185 points, followed by Findlay (122) in a distant second. The Laker women tallied 185.5 points, while Ashland finished second with 128.5.

Kirk Manchip led the GVSU men, scoring 25 individual points in three events. Manchip placed first in the long jump (23-4.5), while finishing second in both the triple jump (46-7.25) and high jump (6-6.75). Teammate Kenny Coleman finished second in the long jump (22-11.25) behind Manchip and fellow Laker Ryan Tibble placed first in the high jump (6-6.75). "We were able to put together some outstanding individual performances, but the quality depth of our overall team is what led us to our fifth straight title on both sides," said fifth-year head coach Jerry Baltes.

Grand Valley State scored points in bunches in five different events. John Ybarra led a group that finished second through fifth in the shot put (52-11) and scored 23 points. Ybarra's toss of 52-11 was good for second. Ben Hirdes (Holland) claimed the GLIAC title in the pole vault with a height of 15-9, while Brian Beach (Hudsonville) was third (15-3) and led GVSU to 21 points in the event. Mike Simon (2nd/58-9.25) led a second through fourth sweep in the weight throw that produced 19 team points.

GVSU claimed fourth through seventh honors in the 5000m run en route to 14 team points. Kenny Coleman was first in the 400m Dash (48.89) and Jimmie Freeman (East Kentwood) claimed top honors in the 55m Hurdles to round out the Laker titles.

Krista O'Dell captured a pair of titles for GVSU, crossing the finish line first in the 800m Run (2:13.43) and the mile (4:51.07). O'Dell's time in the mile set a GLIAC Championship meet and school record. All-American Natalie Ewing led a Laker first through third finish in the 5000m run with a GLIAC title in a time of 17:12.07). Jeannette Seckinger was second (18:14.07), followed by Steph Sliwinski (18:20). Jennifer O'Shesky earned GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors with a first-place finish in the 55m hurdles (8.25) and a second in the long jump (17-9.75). Alex Baker was second behind O'Shesky in the hurdles (8.31), while Pam Treppa won the long jump (18-6). Rachel Duthler (Calvin Christian) led a strong group in the pole vault with a clearance of 12-5 which was good for first and set a GLIAC Championship meet and school record. Katie Wilkins was third (11-6.5) and Kati Smith fourth (11-0.75). Kara Eagan finished second in the 3000m run (10:22.12) and Ashley Thomas (Jenison) was third in the 400m run (:57.0).

"I was pleased that we had a number of athletes step up and turn in outstanding performances for both the men and women," added Baltes. "Winning five straight GLIAC indoor titles is an awesome accomplishment for our student athletes and our coaching staff,' added the 2004 GLIAC Coach of the Year.

Grand Valley State has captured 20 GLIAC team titles (out of a possible 26) in men's and women's cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field under Baltes in his five years at the helm.