GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its weekly awards following the third week of competition of the 2026 outdoor track & field season. Grand Valley State swept the track honors, with Dominic Downes and the Lakers' 4x100 relay team consisting of Catherine Guckenberger, Gianni Harris, Claire Neumann and Alaina Diaz, earning recognition. Saginaw Valley State sophomore Xavier Santiago (men's field) and Davenport junior Julia Ott (women's field) also received recognition.
MEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Dominic Downes, Grand Valley State
Dominic Downes had a phenomenal weekend on the track, running three personal-best times through two events. In the 110m hurdles prelims, Downes finished runner-up at a personal-best 13.96 to notch a 0.02 second PR and move on to the finals. In the proceeding round, the sophomore ran another best time, crossing the finish line at 13.93 to rank fifth in NCAA and tie for No. 3 in program history. He ran
another personal-best in the men’s 200m, finishing first in his heat and 16th of 62 at 22.56.
WOMEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: 4x100 Relay (Catherine Guckenberger, Gianni Harris, Claire Neumann, Alaina Diaz), Grand Valley State
The women’s 4x100m relay squad has been named Women’s Track Athletes of the Week following their program record-breaking outing on Saturday. Catherine Guckenberger led off, running the first 100m before passing the baton to freshman Gianni Harris. Claire Neumann ran the penultimate leg before Alaina Diaz crossed the finish line at 44.73, effectively breaking the Grand Valley State record. The finish also ranks the team No. 2 in NCAA Division II.
MEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Xavier Santiago, Saginaw Valley State
Xavier Santiago earns his first GLIAC Field Athlete of the Week Award with his performance at the Fast Break Invitational at Lee University this past weekend. Santiago won the men’s high jump after clearing the bar at a Lee University record height of 2.14m. The 2026 Indoor All-American is currently tied for third-best in DII with that mark.
WOMEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Julia Ott, Davenport
Julia Ott led the charge at the Grand Valley State Al Owens Classic on Friday and Saturday, setting the school record in the high jump that stood for nearly 10 years. Ott cleared 5' 7.25", breaking Emily Michalski's 5' 6" set at the WHAC Championship in 2016. She won the event and also hit the NCAA qualifying mark, which places her seventh currently in Division II.
