April 13, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State University sent student-athletes to compete at the Angelo State David Noble Relays in San Angelo, Tx. and the Chico Twilight Invitational in Chico, Calif. over the weekend. The Lakers met 14 different NCAA qualifying marks over the weekend, continuing to prepare for the NCAA Outdoor National Championships. Nate Peck also set a school record in the mile, his second school record in as many weeks.

At the Chico Twilight Invitational, Katherine McCarthy and Katie Alfredson finished in first and third, respectively, in the 800-meter run. McCarthy finished in 2:09.65, while Alfredson crossed the line at 2:14.49. McCarthy also took first in the 1500-meter event with a time of 4:32.51, while Alfredson took fifth at 4:38.46. Both runners qualified for the NCAA Nationals in both events.

Lynsey Ardingo was the top finisher in the 10k with a time of 36:37.31 and Megan Maceratini was right behind her, coming in second at 36:38.97. Both of those times were also good enough to qualify. Kelly Crowley picked up a third-place finish in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:29.24.

The men also performed well in Chico, as Peck set a school record in the mile run at 4:05.14. Converted to a 1500-meter time, it was also good enough to qualify him for the national meet. GVSU also had four qualifying marks in the 10k, led by Nick Polk's second-place time of 29:57.31. James Gale came in third at 30:21.57, Ryan Holm was fourth at 30:32.85 and Ross Faasse was fifth at 30:45.37. All were good enough to qualify for nationals.

Chris Hammer's top time of 9:09.56 in the 3000-meter steeplechase qualified him for nationals. So did Curtis Barclay's fourth-place tim eof 9:16.25 and Tyler Emmorey's sixth-place time of 9:24.00.