Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University's track and field teams delivered commendable performances at the Jet's Pizza Invitational hosted by Saginaw Valley State University. The event took place on January 31 and February 1 in University Center.

The Bulldogs secured a total of 21 top-10 finishes over the two-day meet, setting a school record, achieving a NCAA qualifying time, and winning two individual championships. Four performances ranked among the top ten all-time in Ferris State history for their respective events.

In the women's competition, Hanna Brock claimed victory in the 5,000 meters with a time of 17:47.3 and finished second in the mile run at 5:00.89. Whitney Farrell secured second place in the 5,000 meters (17:47.81), while Abigail Winkle finished third in the 400 meters (58.60). Notably, Farrell recorded the eighth-fastest 5K time in school history, Winkle's performance in the 200 meters ranks eighth, and Brock's mile run is now tenth on Ferris State's all-time chart.

Rebecca Marvin achieved runner-up status in the weight throw with a distance of 49-6.5. Maddy Biller placed fourth in shot put (38-7.75) and was eighth in weight throw (44-3.5), while Marvin also took tenth place in shot put (37-1). Daisy Englund secured ninth place in the 800 meters (2:19.56) with Farrell finishing tenth in the mile (5:06.67). Emily Plouff came twelfth in the 3,000 meters (10:43.62).

The women's distance medley relay team consisting of Englund, Winkle, Taylor Huntoon, and Ella Kowatch placed third with a time of 12:41.44.

On the men's side, Cooper Sorsen won the 3,000 meters race with a national qualifying and school-record time of 8:13.95.

Hayden Josef achieved third place in high jump (6-2.75), Jaylin Townsend was fourth in the 60 meters (6.85) and ninth in the 200 meters (22.02), while Devin Dennison placed sixth in weight throw (55-2.25).

Jared Watchorn was ninth in both shot put (47-7) and mile run (4:19.90), Hunter Richardson came ninth as well, and Gavin Vansolkema rounded out Ferris State’s achievements by securing tenth place.

The men's distance medley relay group composed of Vansolkema, Lucas Vandam, Watchorn, and Zak Kimmel achieved third place with a time of 10:27.77.

Ferris State will next participate at Grand Valley State Big Meet on February 14-15.