For those who thought the annual Battle of the Valleys between Grand Valley State University and Saginaw Valley State University was long over, the men’s and women’s track and field teams have news for you.

GVSU track and field has been washing cars and collecting donations since last September to raise money for the Battle of the Valleys, a competition of both track and field and charity fundraising to be held at Saginaw Valley this Friday.

Much like the football team’s version of Battle of the Valleys, the competition pits the Lakers against Saginaw Valley before either team even hits the track – both teams attempt to raise money for a charity of their choice prior to the meet. On the day of the match, the funds are compared and the team with the most money wins.

“I think it’s important to make it this kind of competition to show that we’re part of the community,” said junior pole vaulter Jocelyn Kuksa.

This year, the Lakers selected as their charity the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening diseases.

For the past three years, the Lakers have failed to top the Cardinals’ fundraising. Last year, the distance was greater than ever – Saginaw Valley’s team raised $40,088 for the Salvation Army, exactly $27,588 more than the Lakers’ total of $12,500 for the Student Advancement Foundation.

It’s not just the Battle of the Valleys trophy on the line – Friday will be a competitive event, Kuksa said. While the Lakers have already participated in five meets since the start of the 2011 indoor track and field season, the Battle of the Valleys will be the first scored meet of the new year.

“It’s just like a soccer game or any other sport,” Kuksa said. “Keeping score gives you more incentive to go out there and score. It’s more of a rivalry, more of a competitive spirit.”

At least one Laker is confident that despite the introduction of scoring, the meet does not present much for the Lakers to worry about.

“We dominate the conference a lot, so going against Saginaw (Valley) isn’t that big a deal,” said senior runner Kayla Vallar. “But it’s still fun – we like to get to know the people in our conference, and compete against the other ‘Valley.’ I’d say the guys have more competition – there are a lot of good guys on Saginaw’s team, so it’s probably more fun for them.”

But according to pole vaulter Quinton Dennis, not even the men are that concerned.

“I think the men will still win, but it will be a little bit more of a challenge,” he said. “Saginaw [Valley] is getting stronger, but this year, we have a lot of solid returners with good marks and very talented freshman class. I don’t think it will be easy, but I think we’ll win.”

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