Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) track and field program is preparing to host its first outdoor home meet of the season, known as the GVSU Early Meet. This event will take place over two days, starting on Friday, April 5th, and concluding on Saturday, April 6th. The schedule includes a variety of field events on both days, with men's and women's competitions commencing at different times.

On the first day of the meet, four field events are scheduled: hammer throw, javelin, triple jump, and an "unseeded" pole vault. These events will begin at noon for hammer throw and javelin, while triple jump and pole vault start at 1:00 p.m. Eighteen athletes from GVSU will compete in these events. Notably, twelve athletes are participating in the men's and women's hammer throw categories.

In addition to the home meet activities, six athletes from GVSU's pole vault team will attend the Spartan Invite in East Lansing on Friday. The men's competition is set for 11:00 a.m., featuring Wyatt Alwine, Colton Emeott, Dolan Gonzales, and Max Rauch. Taylor DeHommel and Lily Renfrew will represent the women in their competition at 2:00 p.m.

Recently ranked No.1 nationally by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, GVSU's men's track team boasts two national leaders: Jaivon Harrison in high jump and Myles Kerner in shot put. Additionally, they hold seven National Top-5 marks along with twelve National Top-10 marks.

Meanwhile, GVSU's women's program holds a No.2 national ranking with Margaret Stevenson leading nationally in shot put. They have achieved six National Top-5 marks as well as twelve National Top-10 marks.

The second day of the GVSU Early Meet includes remaining field events such as a "seeded" pole vault alongside running events starting at 11:00 a.m., including shot put; discus; long jump; high jump; hurdle preliminaries; sprints like 100m dash; distance races like steeplechase; 1500m run; among others.

Erika Beistle leads participants within women’s discus throwing category along with teammates Margaret Stevenson Sophia Snellenberger Paige Westra competing concurrently against eight male counterparts led by Nathan Spitzley James MacKey JR within their own division’s event lineup starting promptly same hour aforementioned female segment kicks off proceedings respectively similarly aligned timeframe across respective gender-specific divisions

Spectators can purchase tickets online to attend this weekend’s festivities where additional updates regarding results outcomes may be accessed via social media handle @GVSUXCTF or website gvsulakers.com alternatively streaming service FloTrack offers live coverage subject subscription terms conditions apply throughout entire season