Courtesy of Grand Valley State Athletic Communications

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- Eli Kosiba has received votes for The Bowerman Preseason Watch List as announced by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) today. Kosiba's mention marks the first time in program history that a Grand Valley State athlete has received votes.

The Bowerman, known as "The Heisman of track & field," is bestowed to collegiate track & field's top male and female athlete for the year. The Bowerman Advisory Board, and ultimately, The Bowerman Voters, are instructed to consider performances inclusively from the collegiate indoor track & field and outdoor track & field seasons only. Cross country results are not within this consideration. The current collective track & field season began on November 29, 2024 and will end on June 14, 2025.

There is a total of eight watch lists during the season, with the next update occurring on Thursday, February 6 (men). The "watch list" consists of 10 at-large individuals and several athletes also receiving votes.

Kosiba's name sits alongside 18 other athletes, all of whom hail from Division I (DI) institutions. He is the only male vote-getter from a Division II (DII) institution and one of five athletes from a non-Power Four institution.

All eyes have been on Eli since his 2024-25 season debut. At the GVSU Holiday Open in December, the senior broke several records and tied the 18-year NCAA DII indoor high-jump record of 2.30m (7-6.5). Following his performance, he received USTFCCCA and GLIAC Athlete of the Week honors.

The complete Bowerman Preseason Watch List and release may be found at ustfccca.com.