March 30, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State University had student-athletes competing at the Grand Rapids Open and at the Missouri Relays over the weekend, and the teams came back with some high marks. Candice Wheat set a school record in the 100-meter hurdles with her time of 13.79 seconds, an NCAA qualifying mark. Four other Lakers also qualified over the weekend. In addition, the student-athletes that went to Missouri spent Thursday volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club in town.

"This was a great opener for our squads," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "We had some very solid results to start the season. Candice Wheat was exceptional in the 100-meter hurdles."

Garron Lucius was the other Laker to qualify at the Missouri Relays. Lucius also qualified in the hurdles, recording a time of 14.63 seconds in the 110-meter event. Lucius and Wheat were part of the squad that went to Columbia, Mo. and spent Thursday doing activities with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club. The team and coach Ray Williams also held a track clinic to help them learn different drills.

"Our sprints and jumps crew had a great trip to Missouri," Baltes said. "They had a great learning experience there, spending the day at the Boys and Girls Club in town. I think we have a great group of kids, not just on the track, and this helps to show that fact."

Other members of the Grand Valley State University competed at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids, Mich. Three Lakers met the NCAA qualifying mark at the meet. Lynsey Ardingo finished with a time of 10:14.40 in the 3000-meter event to qualify. She was joined by Katherine McCarthy and Tim Lelito. McCarthy qualified with a time of 4:36.74 in the 1500-meter and Lelito had a qualifying throw of 162'4" in the discus.

"We had great weather in Grand Rapids, and that led to some great results to get the outdoor season underway," Baltes said. "I look forward to seeing what this team can do as the season progresses."