Jan. 17, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State University's track teams run their first home meet of the new year on Friday, hosting the Mike Lints Invitational. The Lakers will try to add onto the success they had at the Holiday Open in December where they had three throwers qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the weight throw. Field events get underway at 4 p.m.

"It is still early in the season, but we are excited to get back on the track and see where we are fitness-wise and technique-wise," said Jerry Baltes, Grand Valley State's head coach. "We feel that we will have a handful of student-athletes that can come out and do some great things right away."

In the Holiday Open, Kathie Posa broke her own school record and she, along with Emily Fox and Mary Bogner threw distances that currently rank them fourth, fifth and sixth in the NCAA qualifiers. Candice Wheat also provisionally qualified in the 55-meter hurdles and is currently ranked fourth.

One story to watch on the men's side is Nate Peck's pursuit of the track record in the 3000-meter run. The record is held by U.S. Olympian Brian Diemer, who is currently the head coach at Calvin College. Also, transfer Miranda Farr will put on the Grand Valley uniform for the first time and compete in the pole vault.

"We have a great mix of returning upperclassmen to go along with new freshmen and transfers," Baltes said. "These two squads should be exciting to watch this season."