Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) athletes and coaches have received significant recognition from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for their performances in the Midwest Region outdoor track and field season.

Erika Beistle and Jaivon Harrison were named the USTFCCCA Field Athletes of the Year for the Midwest Region. Both had previously been selected as Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Outdoor Field Athletes of the Year.

Head Coach Jerry Baltes was awarded both women's and men's Head Coach of the Year honors. Under his leadership, GVSU's women's team secured their first outdoor National Championship title since 2012, with notable achievements including two individual championship titles, nine First-Team All-American honors, and five Second-Team All-American honors. The team also set new program records this season, including a meet record at the National Championships in women's discus.

Matt Conly, who serves as throws coach at GVSU, was recognized as Women's Assistant Coach of the Year. His coaching contributed significantly to GVSU's success by helping secure 29 out of 60 points at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships through his throwers' performances.

Sprints and hurdles coach Eric Kramer was named Men's Assistant Coach of the Year. In his third year with GVSU, Kramer's athletes combined for 95 points at the GLIAC Championships, contributing to their 18th outdoor men's title.

Erika Beistle achieved remarkable feats during her season, breaking several records in women's discus. She recorded a throw that surpassed previous Division II records multiple times throughout her competitions this year.

Jaivon Harrison earned recognition as Midwest Region's Division II Men's Field Athlete of the Year after being named GLIAC Men's Field Athlete of the Year. He maintained high performance levels throughout seven meets this season, culminating in an individual national championship title at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships.

Overall, GVSU's track and field teams showcased exceptional talent across various events under skilled coaching guidance.