Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University is preparing to send eight athletes to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon. This group includes five current student-athletes and three alumni, marking the largest contingent of Grand Valley participants at a single U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials.

The trials will take place from June 21 to June 30 at Hayward Field, University of Oregon's track and field facility.

Head Coach Jerry Baltes expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to have our five current student-athletes representing our program and Grand Valley State University out in Eugene, Oregon. It is also very exciting to see our three alums still compete at such a high level and still follow their passion for the sport."

Six of the eight Lakers will compete in field events. Myles Kerner, a national champion in shot put, will begin his competition on June 21. Erika Beistle will participate in women's discus on June 24 after a successful season where she set records in shot put and discus at Grand Valley State.

A trio comprising Jaivon Harrison, Jonathan Rankins-James, and Eli Kosiba will enter the men's high jump qualifying round on June 27. Harrison secured two national titles this year while Rankins-James finished as runner-up indoors and third outdoors; Kosiba achieved sixth place in both categories.

Alumni Zach Panning, Jessica Gockley-Day, and Kristen (Hixson) Leland are also competing. Panning runs the men's 10,000m on June 21 with Gockley-Day following suit for women on June 29. Leland competes in women's pole vault starting June 28.

Coach Baltes added: "All eight are competing at the highest level of track and field in the United States! We are honored to have them be apart of the Laker for a lifetime family."

NBC, USA Network, and Peacock will broadcast coverage from June 21 through June 30.