Holland Reporter

Senior high jumper Marcus Gelpi of Grand Valley State University is set to compete for Team Puerto Rico at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Senior Championships. The event will take place on Sunday, August 17 in the Bahamas, with Gelpi scheduled to participate in the high jump at 5:10 p.m. EST.

Gelpi, who hails from Dixon, California, earned his spot at the NACAC Championships after winning the men's high jump at this year's Campeonato Nacional Senior FAPUR in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. He led a field of five competitors by clearing 2.15 meters (7-0.5) on his first attempt.

"It's my biggest meet of the year and I feel more prepared than ever to put up a good competitive mark against the field," said Gelpi. "I love this type of competition and the opportunity to showcase everything I've been working on to the world!"

This marks Gelpi's return to the NACAC Senior Championships after last competing in 2022, where he finished seventh with a height of 2.16 meters (7-07.5). Prior to that appearance, he was named Puerto Rican National Runner-Up in men's high jump with a clearance of 2.05 meters (6-8.75).

"Finally becoming the Puerto Rican National Champion boosted my confidence like no other," said Gelpi. "It's a dead giveaway that GV is the best place in the world for high jump! Even though we're probably the most competitive group of individuals you could find, we all want to see each other win on and off the track."

Gelpi transferred from Diablo Valley Community College and Kansas State before joining Grand Valley State University. Since arriving at GVSU, he has made significant contributions to the program and currently ranks fourth in school history with an indoor personal-best high jump of 2.21 meters (7-3), achieved early in the indoor season. He also placed sixth at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships with a height of 2.14 meters (7-0.25). Gelpi plans to continue competing for GVSU during both indoor and outdoor track seasons through 2026.

"I have the full support of my teammates and coaches, and now following a national title, I feel more prepared than ever to do big things this weekend!" said Gelpi.