Tony Bonacci Volunteer Coach - Team Chaplain | Grand Valley State University Athletics Website
Tony Bonacci Volunteer Coach - Team Chaplain | Grand Valley State University Athletics Website
Grand Valley State University is set to host its annual Big Meet at the Kelly Family Sports Center in Allendale, Michigan, this weekend. The event will take place on Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15, featuring over 100 teams from 84 schools. Events begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday with open running sections and continue with invite and field events throughout the day.
Saturday's schedule starts at 10 a.m., kicking off with field events and the women's and men's 3000m race. The meet concludes with the 4x400 relay at approximately 6:20 p.m.
The Big Meet will showcase several Grand Valley State athletes who are leading in NCAA Division II rankings. According to USTFCCCA, GVSU's throws crews stand out nationally. The men's weight throw squad ranks first in Division II with a total distance of 77.96 meters (255-9) and an average throw of 19.49 meters (63-11.5). James MacKey Jr., who leads this group, achieved a mark of 20.52 meters (67-4) during December's season opener.
In women's shot put, Erika Beistle heads her squad and all of Division II with a school-best throw of 17.20 meters (56-5.25), recorded on January 24.
The women's 3000m team is another highlight, ranking first nationally with a total time of 37:53.04 and an average finish of 9:28.26. Lauren Kiley leads DII with her best time of 9:13.90, followed by Natalie Graber's second-ranked time of 9:17.37.
GVSU's high jumpers have also drawn attention for their performances this season, topping Division II rankings with an average height of 2.23 meters (7-3.75). Eli Kosiba has cleared the highest mark among them at 2.30 meters (7-6.5).
Men’s pole vaulters from GVSU rank as the top squad nationwide after clearing a collective height of 20.13 meters (66-0.5), led by Dolan Gonzales who ranks ninth in DII.
Additionally, more than thirty-five Grand Valley student-athletes feature in the USTFCCCA Division II Top 25 rankings.
For those interested in attending the event live results are available through Fairchild Sports Timing and can be watched on FloTrack.
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