Women’s soccer to host match at Lubbers Stadium

The GVSU women’s soccer team will host a soccer match at Lubbers Stadium on Sept. 30 against Tiffin University. It will mark the first non-football event to utilize the new video board at the stadium.

The top ranked Lakers will battle GLIAC opponent Tiffin in an attempt to break the single game attendance record for Division II women’s soccer. The current record stands at 3,227 in a game between Wayne St. University and Nebraska-Kearney University in 2009.

The game will feature a number of promotions, including free scarves to the first 1,000 fans and other promotional giveaways. The GVSU marching band will be playing at the event, along with a pre-game concert outside of the stadium.

The Lakers will look to follow up their third national championship in a row with another successful season. The Lakers have a 69-3-4 overall record in the past three seasons.

GVSU announces new associate athletic director and senior woman administrator

Grand Valley State athletic director Keri Becker announced earlier this month that Erika Wallace is taking over as the associate athletic director and senior woman administrator. Wallace formerly worked in the GVSU financial aid department.

Wallace is a GVSU alum and former women’s basketball standout. She was recently inducted into the GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.

Known as Erika Ryskamp in her playing days, Wallace led the Lakers to a national championship in the 2005-06 season. She finished her playing career with her name etched in the GVSU record books. She ranks second in career three pointers, three-point percentage, and games played in GVSU history.

In her new position, Wallace will be responsible for supervising coaches in regards to budget, recruiting, scheduling and traveling. Wallace will also be responsible for NCAA compliance, fundraising and will represent GVSU on multiple boards and committees, including the Intercollegiate Athletic Advisory Board and the GLIAC Management Council.

Former GVSU track and field athlete selected to compete in Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Chris Hammer, a former GVSU cross country and track and field All-American, will compete on the first ever United States Paralympics Triathlon Team at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Hammer was one of eight athletes named to the team.

This is Hammer’s second time competing on the United States’ Paralympic Team. He competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London as a part of the track and field team. Hammer also won his first international triathlon in 2015.

As a Laker, Hammer was a four-time track and field All-American. He finished in the top eight in the 3000 meter steeplechase in all four years of his GVSU career. He also finished 30^th in the 2007 cross country national championship.

The 2016 Summer Paralympics start on Sept. 7 and finish on Sept. 18. The men’s triathlon events take place on Sept. 10 at Copacabana Beach.