March 12, 2004

Boston, Mass. - Ben Hirdes concluded his career at Grand Valley State with yet another All-America honor in the pole vault at the 2004 NCAA DII Track & Field National Championships. Hirdes placed fifth with a vault of 16-4.75. Hirdes also earned outdoor All-America plaudits last spring in the pole vault.

Mike Simon earned All-America honors for the Laker men with a seventh place finish in the 35-pound weight throw. Simon completed his first NCAA Championship with a throw of 58-01.00. Grand Valley State will have two men competing in the shot put on Saturday.