Grand Valley State will have eight athletes participating in the NCAA DII National Championships this weekend in Boston, Mass. The Lakers will have four men and four women who qualified for the Championships. The top eight finishers in each event receive All-American honors.

"We are excited for the opportunity to compete against the best in the nation," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "We have some real solid experience heading to Boston to represent us."

On the men's side, all four athletes will be competiting in the field events. Senior Ben Hirdes will compete in the pole vault, while senior Joe Prouix and freshman John Ybarra both qualified in the shot put. Sophomore Mike Simon will participate in the weight throw.

"Hirdes, a four-time All-American and national runner-up in last year's outdoor season, will lead the men," said Baltes. "Following Ben will be three first timers in Prouix, Ybarra, and Simon. We are very excited to see what they can do in their first time on the national scene."

For the women, junior Krista O'Dell will run the mile and sophomore Natalie Ewing will compete in the 5,000 meter run. Freshman Jenn O'Shesky qualified for Nationals in the 55m hurdles and freshman Rachel Duthler will compete in the pole vault.

"The women are led by six-time All-American Natalie Ewing and five-time All-American Krista O'Dell," said Baltes. "Two first time freshman will have a great opportunity to get some great experience and challenge for all american honors."

In the final NCAA DII Track & Field Power Rankings, GVSU's men are ranked third and the women are ranked sixth. Click on the link below for complete rankings:
Rankings

Click on the link below for all NCAA National Championship information, including the schedule and results:
Championship Information