GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its awards following the sixth week of competition of the 2024-25 indoor track & field season. Selected for recognition were Grand Valley State redshirt freshman Samuel Allen (men's track), Wayne State senior Emily Gordon (women's track), Grand Valley State redshirt senior Myles Kerner (men's field) and Grand Valley State senior Shelby Ulven (women's field)
MEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sam Allen, Grand Valley State
Following his performance at this weekend’s GVSU Big Meet, Sam Allen has received GLIAC Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week honors. Allen competed in the 800m event on Friday afternoon alongside several other Lakers. He was the first Laker and third athlete to cross the line, recording a record time of 1:49.24. The freshman’s finish was not only a personal-best, but it also moved him up the rankings in GVSU’s All-Time Indoor record book. He currently holds the number two spot in GVSU history and the number nine spot in all of NCAA Division II.
WOMEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Emily Gordon, Wayne State
Wayne State University senior mid-distance runner Emily Gordon (Northville, Mich.) placed eighth in the 800m run at the GVSU Big Meet-Friday in a school record time of 2:09.54. The previous mark of 2:12.19 was set by Gordon two years ago. The following day, she led off the DMR that also set a school record with a time of 11:44.27, eclipsing he previous mark of 11:46.88 which Gordon led off two years ago.
MEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Myles Kerner, Grand Valley State
Senior Myles Kerner has been performing at a high level throughout the season, but this week’s performance granted him GLIAC Men’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week honors. Throughout the two-day Big Meet, Kerner competed in the shot put and weight throw events. The senior threw a season-best shot put on Friday afternoon, shattering the Kelly Family Sports Center record that was previously set by him. Kerner’s 19.69m (64-7.24) throw landed him the number one spot in NCAA Division II and number five across all divisions.
WOMEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Shelby Ulven, Grand Valley State
For the first time in her athletic career, Shelby Ulven has received GLIAC Athlete of the Week honors as an indoor field athlete. At this Friday’s GVSU Big Meet, Ulven competed in weight throw. On her third attempt, the senior shattered her previous record (set earlier this season) with a 19.28m (63-3.25) throw. Her throw pushed her to number seven all-time in GVSU program history. Ulven currently holds the number six spot in NCAA Division II women’s weight throw rankings.
