Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's women's track and field team has achieved a significant milestone by securing the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championship title for the first time in 13 years. The team accumulated 60 points over three days of competition, with two athletes crowned as national champions. Meanwhile, the men's team finished third overall with 48 points.

Head coach Jerry Baltes expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "This was an incredible day for our programs. Our athletes competed incredibly hard and I am so thankful for everyone that helped our women capture a National Championship title and lead the men to a third-place finish."

The event commenced at 11 a.m. Mountain Time with Brooke Bowers competing in pole vault. As a true freshman, Bowers secured fifth place on the podium, earning her second All-America honor with a mark of 4.17 meters.

A highlight of the competition was Klaudia O'Malley's victory in the women's 1500 meters. O'Malley completed her final lap in 63 seconds, overtaking four competitors to finish first at 4:29.11, marking her first individual National Champion title.

In women's shot put, Mackenzie Bohrer concluded her career as a Laker by placing sixth with a throw of 15.41 meters, adding another All-America honor to her achievements.

The men's 4x100 meter relay team consisting of Zach Pray, Nick Walper, Jacody Sikora, and Myles Rhodes finished fourth at 40.03 seconds.

Myles Rhodes continued his strong performance in the men's 400 meters by setting a personal best and school record time of 45.99 seconds.

In men's high jump, Jaivon Harrison and Jonathan Rankins-James demonstrated their prowess by finishing first and second respectively with marks of 2.18 meters each; Harrison claimed the National Champion title on countback.

The women's 5000 meters saw Klaudia O'Malley and Natalie Graber contributing crucial points to surpass Pittsburg State and Adams State in team standings. Graber earned bronze while O'Malley finished sixth.

Koby Fraaza participated in the men's 5000 meters race where he improved from ninth to fifth place during the final stages, completing it in 14:35.28 minutes.

The day's events concluded with the men's 4x400 meter relay team finishing fifth at 3:06.76 minutes.

Coach Baltes acknowledged everyone's efforts saying, "Most of all I am proud and thankful for our student-athletes', coaches', and support staff's commitment to each other and to our program."