GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its awards following the second week of competition of the 2024-25 indoor track & field season. Selected for recognition were four Grand Valley State student-athletes -- Caleb Futter (men's track), Natalie Graber (women's track), Jaivon Harrison (men's field) and Erika Beistle (women's field).
MEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Caleb Futter, Grand Valley State
Senior Caleb Futter has earned GLIAC Indoor Track Athlete of the Week honors yet again – his ninth time to date. Futter competed in the 800m and 4x400 relay events at this past weekend’s Bill Clinger Classic. Futter finished first in his heat and overall in the 800m. His personal-best 1:50.25 finish ranked him at number four in Grand Valley State’s All-Time Indoor Record Book. The senior ran the fourth leg of the 4x400, finishing at 3:23.29 and ranking fifth among 15 teams.
WOMEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Natalie Graber, Grand Valley State
Natalie Graber has been named Indoor Track Athlete of the Week by the GLIAC for the fifth time in her collegiate career. At this past weekend’s Bill Clinger Classic, Graber competed in the women’s 1 mile. The senior placed second, crossing the finish line at a season-best 4:44.07, less than 0.30 seconds behind the leading athlete and more than 1.50 seconds ahead of third.
MEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jaivon Harrison, Grand Valley State
For the first time in his career, Jaivon Harrison has been named GLIAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Week. After spending the early indoor season injured, the senior made his second appearance back on the mat this weekend. Harrison was one of two athletes to clear 2.20m (7-2.50) at this past weekend’s Bill Clinger Classic, and he did so with ease. On his first attempt, he easily cleared 2.09m (6-10.25). He proceeded to move on to 2.14m (7-0.25); on his third pass, he sailed over the height. Deciding to pass 2.17m (7-1.50), Harrison moved directly to the 2.20m (7-2.50); he cleared the height on his second try.
WOMEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Erika Beistle, Grand Valley State
For the second consecutive week, Erika Beistle has earned GLIAC Field Athlete of the Week honors following her incredible shot put performance at Grand Valley State’s annual Bill Clinger Classic. On just her second throw in the series, Beistle threw a 17.20m (56-5.25) shot put, more than 1m further than her first attempt. The throw not only broke her personal record (16.77m (55-0.25)), but it also shattered Grand Valley’s number one all-time indoor record by nearly 0.50m (Sam Lockhart, 16.86 (55-3.75). The throw, obviously, crowned her women’s shot put champion at the meet.
