May 26, 2006

Emporia, Kan. - Grand Valley State's Mike Stowe placed sixth in the decathlon with 6,765 points to become GVSU's first-ever All-American in that event. Grand Valley State is 12th after five events in the team race at the NCAA DII Track & Field National Championships in Emporia, Kansas with eight points. The championships will conclude Saturday.

Stowe entered the second day in 10th place, and was in ninth heading into the final event (1500). However, Stowe won the 1500 and moved into sixth place to earn All-American honors. Stowe's 6,765 points also broke his own school-record for points in the decthlon.Nick Natale placed sixth in the shot put to capture All-American honors as well. Dan Jackson just missed out in qualifying for the finals in the 110-meter hurdles. Jackson crossed the finish line in 14.36, good for ninth. The top eight qualify for the finals and the eighth-place finisher crossed in 14.35. Garron Lucius finished 11th in the prelims (14.42).