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Grand Valley State sent its runners to the Eastern Michigan Twilight and its throwers to the Central Collegiate Championship at the University of Illinois. Despite the poor weather conditions, the Lakers had solid performances from both the men's and women's squads.
On the men's side, redshirt freshman Nate Peck broke the school record and set a NCAA Qualifying time in the 1500m. Nate ran a 3:50.95 for a sixth place finish at Eastern Michigan. The previous record of 3:52.83 was set by Glenn Bradley in 1982.
Sophomore John Collins set a NCAA Qualifying mark and finished in fifth place in the 800m with a time of 1:52.56.
At the University of Illinois, sophomore Nick Natale took third place with a NCAA Qualifying mark of 178-00. He also finished second in the shot put with a mark of 55-06.50.
"The team as a whole did a great job competing in below average weather conditions," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "It was cold, windy, and rainy most of the night. We had some great performances on both sides."
"This was great opening race for Nate in the 1500. He had a great race to compete in and he took advantage of the opportunity," said Baltes. "We are very excited to see what Nate can do as his training progresses. His time of 3:50.95 is the best time in school history and ranks him in the top 10 in the nation at this point."
"John Collins ran a real tough race and ran a lifetime best outdoors in the 800. This was a very good break trhough for John getting on the NCAA list," said Baltes.
"The throwing crew made a trip to the University of Illinois for the Central Collegiate Championships to compete against some of the best throwers in the nation," said Baltes. "They had average weather as well, but did a great job competing and getting some valuable experience for the rest of the season."
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On the women's side, junior Mandi Zemba recorded a NCAA Qualifying time of 4:32.53 as she finished third in the 1500m. Krista O'Dell finished second in the race with a time of 4:32.11. Sophomore Morgan Acre broke a school record and set an NCAA Qualifying mark with a first place throw of 185'.06" in the hammer throw. The previous school record was held by Jenna Shook, set in 2002 at 177'07". Rachel Duthler won the pole vault at Eastern Michigan with a mark of 12-00.00.
"Morgan's throw in the hammer won the competition and ranks her third in the nation at the moment" said Baltes. "This was a great confidence builder for Morgan, now she knows she can out and compete with anyone in the nation."
"O'Dell and Zemba set the early pace in the 1500 as they raced to a second and third place finish," added Baltes. "They both did a great job of setting the pace early on."
