Grand Rapids, MI - The Grace Christian University track & field squads returned to action following the winter break at Aquinas College for the "John Flamino Classic" on Saturday evening. The Tigers faced off against host Aquinas College, Cornerstone University, Siena Heights University, Muskegon Community College, Cleary University, and Southwestern Community College as they looked to shake off some rust and continue to search for national qualifying marks.
Grace head coach
Gerry Verwey was pleased with the effort of the team following the meet. "I reminded the team when we arrived that we were here to compete and not to just go through the motions," noted Verwey. "Regardless of the time off since competing, it's important that we make sure our competition knows we are here and that we are going after them."
Meet Highlights:
- Freshman Ian Hinkle (Grand Ledge, MI) had a big night for the Tigers. Scoring 3 pts. in the mile run and 2 pts. in the 3k, Hinkle earned the highest individual point total for the Tigers during the meet, while running the 3rd fastest indoor mile time in school history (5:11.38).
- Kaylee Morris (Mancelona, MI) ran a solid 60m dash race, narrowly missing a new personal record, while recovering from an old injury aggravated back in December.
- Austin Engel (Spring Lake, MI) placed 5th overall in long jump (5.53m), scoring 4 pts. for the Tigers in the process. He also had strong efforts in the 60m and pole vault.
- In the 400m, senior Kent Herring (Evart, MI) scored 1 point for the Tigers on his way to a 9th overall finish (58.74 seconds), while freshman Jude Vargo (Pennhills, PA) ran the 7th fastest time in school history (indoors) for that event (1:03.86).
- Senior Ben Bird (Allendale, MI) also had a solid effort, reaching a new season best in the 3k (12:05.07).
Next up for the track & field teams is a trip to Grand Valley State University next Saturday, January 18, for the "Bob Eubanks Open." Field events begin at 1 PM, with running events starting at 1:30 PM at the Kelly Family Sports Center in Allendale, MI. The Tigers have two more meets to try to achieve a NCCAA Indoor National Championship bid and hope to use the high caliber competition at GVSU to propel them to those marks.
