Dec. 17, 2007

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State University saw strong individual performances in the Grand Valley Holiday Open, including some particularly strong throws. Kathie Posa broke her own school record in the 20 lbs. weight throw, while two other Lakers had NCAA automatic qualifying marks in throwing events. GVSU will take the results from the meet into a one-month break, coming back to the track on Jan. 18 at the Mike Lints Laker Challenge.

Posa's throw of 58' 11.25" in the 20 lbs. weight throw set the Grand Valley State school record in the event, breaking Posa's previous record. Emily Fox and Mary Bogner both had big throws in the season-opening meet, as well, qualifying for the NCAA meet. Fox hit 58' 6.5", while Bogner's throw went 57' 11.25". Fox also qualified in the shot put and brokoe Katie Corner's school record with a throw of 46' 1.25".

"This was a solid start for our squads to open up the season," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "We're now looking to have a great break and come back in January ready to continue on, getting a little better each week."

Candice Wheat also qualified for the NCAA meet, running a provisionally qualifying time of 8.24 seconds in the 55-meter hurdles. She also won the event with a finals time of 8.41 seconds. Katie Mandziara finished second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.94 seconds while Katherine McCarthy took first place in the mile run with a time of 5:16.38.

"The season opener went well," Baltes said. "We had some great performances, especially in the women's throwing events. We had a great turnout of teams and a great spectator crowd to go along with it."

On the men's side of the track, Troy Rock and Pat Sage both recorded second-place finishes. Rock's time of 50.27 in the 400-meter dash earned his place, while Sage crossed the line in 4:29.26 in the mile run to finish second. Ryan Holm dominated the 5000-meter run, finishing 53 seconds ahead of second place with a time of 14:54.71. Lucius Garron also earned a first-place finish with a time of 7.74 seconds in the 55-meter hurdles.

In the men's field events, Nate Miller cleared two meters in the high jump, good enough for second place. Bryant Wilson also earned a second-place finish with a height of 15' 11" in the pole vault. Robert Metellus took GVSU's final first place with a triple jump distance of 45' 11.75".