Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University athletes participated in the first outdoor meet of the 2025 season at Indiana Wesleyan's Polar Bear Invite. Fifty-five Lakers competed across 22 events, showcasing a range of performances.

Katrina Sandman made her outdoor debut in the women's 1500m, finishing fourth with a time of 4:53.99. In the men's section, Ethan Parker and Lleyton Axline finished closely with times of 4:03.12 and 4:05.15, respectively, while Tinsae Nelson recorded a time of 4:18.97.

Freshman Bianca Evuleocha debuted in the women's 400m, securing second place with a time of 59.41. Dominik Balenda led five GVSU men in the same event with a first-place finish at 48.65.

In the men's 100m event, Jake Machiniak took first place with a near-nationally qualifying time of 10.54, followed by Nick Walper and Andrew Pizzico.

The Lakers also performed well in hurdles and field events. Ethan Smith placed second in the men's 110m hurdles with a time of 14.74, while Maggie Stevenson ranked fourth in women's discus with a throw of 43.38m (142-4).

Michael Griffey marked his collegiate debut in hammer throw by meeting NCAA DII provisional standards with a throw of 61.86m (202-11), ranking him first.

GVSU athletes will continue their season next weekend at various meets across the country including Raleigh Relays and Texas Relays.