May 27, 2007

Charlotte, N.C. - Senior Mandi Zemba capped her career at Grand Valley State Saturday night by winning her eighth National Championship, thus becoming one of the most decorated women's track performers in DII history. Zemba crushed her opponents in the 5000 meter run with a winning time of 16:08.80. Her time was over 48 seconds faster that the second place finisher. As a team, Grand Valley State finished fifth with 40 points at the 2007 NCAA DII Women's Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Charlotte, N.C.

"What a way for Mandi to end her career," said GVSU head Coach Jerry Baltes. "She is an incredible talent with a work ethic that is second to none and tonight she etched her name in the record books one more time with her eighth national championship," added Baltes.

Sophomore Stacey Kandas was fifth in the 5000 and earned All-American honors with a time of 17:17.62, while freshman Katherine McCarthy also earned All-American honors with her eighth-place finish in the 800 meter run (2:16.68).

Kelly Gibbons finished 11th in the mile with a time of 4:42.38, while Maegan Doyen was 11th in the high jump (5-07). Mary Bogner was 15th in the javelin.

Zemba won back-to-back outdoor titles in the 3000 and 5000, combined with her 1,500 outdoor title as a freshman, she won five outdoor national championships.