MIAA Track & Field
Championships Underway

Both Hope track and field teams are in second place after the first day of competition at the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championships being held at Alma College. The competition continues today. Calvin leads the field in both the men's and women's standings.

A first-day highlight was the gold medal performance of freshman Shaelie Harper in the women's long jump (17-8 3/4). In the men's long jump, Hope had three athletes finish in the top five -- senior Aaron Treiber, second at 22-1 3/4; Josh Echtinaw, fourth in 20-11 3/4; and Jeff Minkus, fifth in 20-9 3/4.

Other top-five performances included: junior Heidi Grooters, second in the hammer throw (132-7); senior Bryan Dekoekkoek, fourth in the shotput (46-5 1/2); junior Kara Vandeguchte, third in the high jump 5-3 3/4; sophomore Kristen Reschke, fourth (tie) in high jump (5-1 3/4); freshman Jacqueline Kirsch, fifth in pole vault (9-4 1/4); sophomore Tracy Dekoekkoek, fifth in discus (118-4); senior Michael Paas, fifth in javelin (161-4); sophomore Sharon Hecker, fourth in 10,000 meters (38:37.40); and senior Matt Wiersum, fourth in 10,000 meters (32:02.99).