June 25, 2009

EUGENE, Ore. - Grand Valley State University is sending five student-athletes to compete at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. this weekend.

"This will be an incredible opportunity for these five student-athletes," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "To have the chance to compete in a U.S. Championship meet will be a great experience for them to build from in the future."

On the men's side, Bryant Wilson is competing in the pole vault. He comes in ranked 19th in the nation with a best of 5.50 meters. Pat Bond is competing in the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a mark of 51.08 meters in the hammer throw. Matt Armstrong is also competing in the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He comes in with a personal best of 16.56 meters in the shotput.

Two women will represent GVSU at the meet. Monica Kinney is competing in the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 1500-meter run. She comes in ranked fifth with a time of 4:27.53. Karie McDonald is competing in the same meet in the 3000-meter steeplechase. She comes in ranked third with a time of 10:49.97.

To qualify for the USA Outdoor Championships, you must hit a certain mark throughout the year. To qualify for USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships, you must hit a certain mark and not turn 20 years old in this calendar year.