Holland Reporter

After the first day of the 2024 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships, Grand Valley State University has secured strong positions in both men's and women's categories. The women's team is currently in second place with a score of 23 points, while the men's team is tied for fifth place with 9 points.

In the field events, James Mackey Jr. was notable for his performance in the men's weight throw, achieving a personal-best distance of 20.97 meters to secure fifth place. Alaina Omondoe finished sixth in the women's weight throw with a distance of 19.36 meters. Taylor DeHommel also excelled by clearing a personal-best height of 4.12 meters in the women's pole vault, earning fourth place and five points for her team.

On the track, several athletes advanced to finals scheduled for Saturday, March 9th. Caleb Futter, Klaudia O'Malley, and Maria Mitchell moved forward in the mile event. Scott Spaanstra and Taryn Chapko advanced to finals in the 800-meter race.

The women's team saw success in the 5000-meter race with Ana Tucker finishing third at a personal-best time of 16:08.43 and Natalie Graber placing eighth at 16:21.39.

Day one concluded with distance medley relays where Grand Valley's men’s team placed fourth with a time of 9:45.99 while the women’s team secured second place clocking at 11:22.63.

The competition continues on Saturday starting at 2:30 p.m., beginning with men's shot put events.