March 15, 2008

Complete Results

Mankato, Minn. - Bryant Wilson cleared a height of 17'2.75" to take first place in the men's pole vault as Grand Valley State finished in fourth place at the Division II National Indoor Track and Field Championships with 37 points. The fourth-place finish marks the highest finish in GVSU men's track and field history. The men's distance medley relay team also claimed a national championship to close the season for the Lakers.

"It was outstanding to see our team come together and win our first trophy at track nationals," said Jerry Baltes, head track and field coach at Grand Valley. "We'll miss our seniors, but this was a great way for them to go out."

Todd Schuster scored for the Lakers in the 800-meter run, earning a fourth-place finish and five points with a time of 1:52.32. Two Lakers earned points in the 5000-meter run. Nate Peck led the way with a second-place finish. His time of 14:17.35 earned his team eight points. Nick Polk claimed eighth place and one point with a time of 14:33.62. Schuster, Peck and Polk were all members of the distance medley relay team that finished in first place with a time of 9:53.43. They were joined by Troy Rock in the event.

In the pole vault, Wilson needed to clear a height of 17'2.75" to win the national championship. After missing his first two tries, Wilson made it over on his third and final try to beat out three opponents who all finished at 16'10.75".

"To make that third jump after missing the first two shows great concentration and persistence on Bryant's part," Baltes said. "That's a tough spot to be in, and he showed a lot by winning."

Ryan Rademacher earned another three points by finished sixth in the long jump. His longest jump of 23' was just 2.75" behind fifth place.