BAY CITY, Mich. -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced weekly awards following the seventh weekend of the 2016-17 indoor track and field season. In women's competition, Grand Valley State sophomore Rachel Walters earned GLIAC Track Athlete of the Week honors, while Hillsdale senior Alexandra Whitford captured GLIAC Field Athlete of the Week accolades. On the men's side, Grand Valley State sophomore Zach Panning earned GLIAC Track Athlete of the Week distinction, while Ashland senior Jordan Crayon captured GLIAC Field Athlete of the Week recognition.
WOMEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Rachel Walters, Grand Valley State
Grand Valley State's Rachel Walters posted a NCAA automatic qualifying time at the Meyo Invitational in the 800m with a time of 2:08.41. The sophomore from Belding, Mich. now holds the fastest time for the GLIAC and the third fastest time in Division II in the 800m.
WOMEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Alexandra Whitford, Hillsdale
Charger senior Alexandra Whitford registered a big PR in the pole vault at the Hillsdale Wide Track Classic last weekend. She finished second overall, clearing 3.85 meters (12 feet, 7.5 inches). She was the top college-associated pole vaulter at the meet, and her mark ranks her tied for first in the GLIAC and fourth in NCAA Division II.
MEN'S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Zach Panning, Grand Valley State
The sophomore from Ft. Wayne, Ind., Zach Panning broke the Grand Valley State record in the 3000m at the Meyo Invitational hosted by Notre Dame. Panning put up a time of 8:05.19 to finish fifth overall in the race. The time posted by Panning is good enough for the top time in the GLIAC and the second fastest time in all of Division II.
MEN'S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Jordan Crayon, Ashland
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