Former GVSU runners sign professional contracts

Grand Valley State track and field record-holders Rachael Walters and Zach Panning have taken the next step in their athletic careers and have signed with professional running teams.

Walters signed with the Atlanta Track Club in early September while Panning signed with Hanson-Brooks Distance Project in July.

Walters was named a three-time USTFCCCA outdoor All-America and a four-time USTFCCCA indoor All-American in the 800m, 4x400m relay and distance medley relay. Walters was also honored as a GLIAC Track Athlete of the Year for the 2019 outdoor season.

Panning was a three-time USTFCCCA outdoor All-American and a four-time USTFCCCA indoor All-American. During the 2019 season, Panning won individual championships in the 5,000m and the 10,000m and was named the USTFCCCA National Track Athlete of the Year for the outdoor season.

Chada, Ludge sweep GLIAC Athlete of the Week honors

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has named Allie Ludge and Tanner Chada the GLIAC Cross Country Athletes of the Week for their performances at the Spartan Invite Friday, Sept. 13.

GVSU sophomore Tanner Chada began his 2019 season with the third place finish at the Spartan Invite on Friday. The 2018 GLIAC Freshman of the Year led the Laker pack with a time of 24:52.1 for the men’s 8K event. Chada helped lead GVSU to a second-place finish behind host-team Michigan State.

Senior Allie Ludge placed sixth in the Spartan Invite with the time of 21:37.8. In the women’s 6K race, Ludge was the first Laker to cross the finish line with four other GVSU runners joining her in the top 20. The women earned second place overall behind Michigan State in the second meet of the season.

Men’s D3 hockey club to host golf outing on Sunday, October 6

The GVSU D3 club hockey team’s golf outing will take place Sunday, Oct. 6 with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start at the Meadows Golf Course at GVSU.

There is a $75 player fee for anyone participating, which includes 18 holes with a cart, range balls and lunch at the turn. Golfers can sign up as a foursome and compete in a scramble format to win prizes including premium Red Wings and Griffins tickets.

To register, visit GVSU’s Recreation & Wellness page.