Grand Valley State University’s track and field teams hosted the annual Bill Clinger Classic at the Kelly Family Sports Center on Friday, Jan. 24. The Lakers walked away having won 14 events, and broke 64 personal records. This came less than a week after the Bob Eubanks Open, where GVSU won 16 events and broke multiple personal bests.
GVSU started strong in the field events, medaling in nearly every competition. The men’s and women’s weight throw and shot put events were most notable, as this was where many Lakers hit their personal bests.
Junior Erika Beistle not only hit her personal best in women’s shot put, but set GVSU’s record with a throw of 17.20m. The throw also placed Beistle atop national records, placing fourth all-time in Division II track and field history.
“I go into each meet trying to do a little better than I did in the last one,” said Beistle. “Being at this level in college athletics and competing against other college athletes while also trying to compete with the big dogs or professionals is certainly a challenge. Staying healthy is definitely a priority for me long term.”
Altogether, the Lakers earned either gold or silver in the men’s and women’s weight throw, shot put, pole vault, long jump and high jump events.
Domination continued on the track, with multiple Lakers placing in the men’s 60m hurdles, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1 mile and 3000m races. Once again, the University’s record book was rewritten, as senior Caleb Futter completed the 800m in 1:50.25, which placed him fourth all-time at GVSU. Futter was not alone in setting records; close behind Futter was freshman Samuel Allen with a time of 1:50.53, placing fifth all-time in GVSU’s records.
On the women’s side, runners medaled in the 60m hurdles, 60m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1 mile and 3000m races.
Head coach Jerry Baltes noted that preparation for the Bill Clinger Classic could have seemed chaotic to those not on the team.
“Track practice usually looks like a circus of something going on,” said Baltes. “People run all over the place, but there’s some method to the madness. Our training is set up in a progression and a process. (We start) with a wide base and try to fine-tune things over the course of the season, as well as from week to week.”
For the individual athletes, practice time becomes key in preparing for competitions.
“I get all my gear together, stretch really well and get in the right headspace,” said Beistle. “Not every day is easy, but every day is a learning experience for the next.”
Baltes added that for runners, it’s important they keep increasing their pace, and get “a little bit fitter and stronger each week.”
Following the Bill Clinger Classic, the Lakers’ track and field teams will hit the road for the first time this season. They will be heading to Indiana for the Notre Dame Meyo Invite and Midwest Classic on Friday, Jan. 31 through Saturday, Feb. 1.
