Gustafson, Wheat Capture Shot Put Milestones At GVSU's Big Meet

Friday, February 10

Allendale, Mich.

TBA

Bowling Green State University

GVSU Big Meet

February 10, 2017 | Women's Track and Field

By: by Jason Knavel, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

Allendale, Mich. – Redshirt junior Aliyah Gustafson and senior Makenzie Wheat recorded the two best shot put performances in program history to spark the Bowling Green State University track and field team to a strong day at Grand Valley State's Big Meet Friday.

When the dust settled, Gustafson retained the school record she set in the shot put three weeks ago at the Tom Wright Invitational, but not without a huge challenge from Wheat. Gustafson threw 53-feet-1.5 (16.19m) to surpass the 52-10 that set the record. Wheat threw 53-0.25 (16.16m) for a new personal best as she almost regained the school record she had prior to Gustafson's performance earlier this year. Wheat threw 52-1 in 2015 to break the school record two years ago.

Based on results entering the weekend, Gustafson ranks No. 20 in the country in the event, while Wheat is tied for No. 21. Along with those two, teammate BeJai Fray, who specializes in the pentathlon, threw a new personal best 40-11.75 (12.49) in the event. Fray, a junior, also set a personal best in the long jump with a mark of 18-5.25 (5.62m) to place third overall and best among three Falcons at the meet.

Redshirt sophomore Rachel Walny continued to etch her name in the BGSU record books. Compete in the indoor 3000 for the first time in her career, she ran a Mid-American Conference automatic qualifying time of 9:43.93, the second-fastest in school history. Walny now ranks sixth in the conference in the event. Redshirt junior Rebecca Schott broke the 10-minute barrier for the first time in her career, posting a time of 9:59.07.

While Gustafson starred in the shot put, she also won the weight throw and set a personal best, posting a MAC automatic qualifying distance of 59-5.5. In the invitational section of the weight throw, junior Elizabeth Iversen was third at 61-6.75. Kayla Velasquez was seventh at 58-10.25.

The Falcons continued to set new personal bests in numerous other events as well. While senior Taylor Rambo posted the team's best time in the 400 at 56.06, senior Gabrielle Edwards (58.19), senior Brianna Johnson (58.51), freshman Rachel Stute (58.54) and sophomore Camerone Bryant (59.17) all ran the fastest times of their collegiate careers. In the 600, Bryant (1:40.07), Stute (1:40.58) and freshman Paige Geatz (1:43.78) all recorded personal bests.

Junior Elena Lancioni ran the 5000 in 17:46.43, trimming almost two seconds off of her previous career best. Redshirt junior Rachel Durbin recorded a season-best time of 5:06.82 in the mile.

"We had a very positive day," BGSU Track and Field Coach Lou Snelling said. "Now, it's time to focus squarely on the MAC Championships."

In the team standings, 37 different teams scored at least one point at the meet. The Falcons were third with 43 points, just one point shy of Marquette for second. Grand Valley State won the meet with 60 points. Five other MAC schools competed at the meet.

Bowling Green is just two weeks away from competing at the MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, hosted by Eastern Michigan. The Falcons are set to compete at the Kent State Tune-Up next weekend.

GVSU Big Meet
Grand Valley State 60, Marquette 44, Bowling Green 43, Eastern Illinois 40, Northern Illinois 36,
Central Michigan 33, Miami (Ohio) 31, Eastern Michigan 25, Ashland 25, FIU 24