May 28, 2006

Emporia, Kansas - Grand Valley State recorded a fourth-place finish at the NCAA DII Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Emporia, Kansas with 59 points. The Lakers' fourth-place finish is the highest-ever finish at the outdoor championships. Lincoln won the team title with 93 points, followed by Abilene Christian (86) and Adams State (84).

All-American Mandi Zemba continued her stellar performances by claiming the National Championship in the 5000-meter run. Zemba ran away with the title, crossing the finish line in 17:10.69, 18 seconds ahead of second place. The title was Zemba's second at the championships as she claimed the 3000-meter title Friday night. Adrian Chouinard finished sixth in a time of 17:58.09 to earn All-American honors. Karlie Singleton crossed in ninth (18:26.06).

Laura Aderman added to the All-American list with a seventh-place finish in the 3000m steeplechase (11:10.10).

"This was an awesome effort across the board from our track & field program," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "This was a total team effort, from the student-athletes, to the coaches and the administration," added Baltes.