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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Graceland University Indoor Track Teams Deliver Standout Performances at Battle in the Hive Invitational

Graceland University Indoor Track Teams Deliver Standout Performances at Battle in the Hive Invitational

Results

DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets men's and women's indoor track and field teams opened the spring semester with impressive performances at the Battle in the Hive Invitational, hosted by St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. The meet featured competitive fields, with Graceland athletes securing several podium finishes and demonstrating strong potential for the rest of the season.

Women's Team Highlights

Junior Kady Vandemark headlined the meet for the women's team, claiming victories in both the shot put and weight throw. Vandemark's throw of 12.64 meters (41'5.75") in the shot put led all competitors, while her weight throw mark of 14.85 meters (48'8.75") was equally dominant. Freshman Amanda Newton placed third in the shot put with a solid throw of 11.50 meters (37'8.75").

On the track, sophomore Amelia Nyambuka placed sixth in the long jump with a leap of 5.05 meters (16'7") and fourth in the 60-meter hurdles preliminaries with a time of 9.72 seconds. Nyambuka also contributed in the 200 meters, clocking a season-best time of 28.50 seconds.

Sophomore Trinity Hancock added a second-place finish in the triple jump, reaching 10.62 meters (34'10.25"), while the middle-distance squad saw standout efforts from freshman Hallee Chamberlin, who placed fourth in the 800 meters (2:46.38), and freshman Cameron Sharp, who finished sixth in the 600 meters (2:04.46).

Men's Team Highlights

The men's team delivered balanced performances across sprints, jumps, and throws. Freshman Elias Walker led Graceland in the 60-meter dash, advancing to the finals with a time of 7.28 seconds and finishing 16th overall. Junior Brice Taylor stood out in the 200 meters, placing eighth with a time of 23.47 seconds, and followed with a 16th-place finish in the 400 meters at 55.18 seconds.

In the field events, freshman Jeremia Carrasquillo cleared 1.78 meters (5'10") in the high jump to secure fifth place, while sophomore Caden Israel achieved a sixth-place finish in the pole vault, clearing 3.66 meters (12'0"). Freshman Dantre Kennybrew added a 10th-place finish in the long jump with a leap of 6.34 meters (20'9.75").

Sophomore Luke Hass led the throws for Graceland, finishing 13th in the weight throw with a mark of 11.29 meters (37'0.5") and 17th in the shot put with a throw of 10.54 meters (34'7").

Coach's Reflection

Head men's coach Quinton Harley commended his athletes' determination and focus. "We're proud of this group for delivering strong performances during the first weekend back from winter break. A standout moment was Junior Kady Vandemark's impressive sweep of the throws—an exciting sign of what's to come this season," Harley said.

Next Competition

The Yellowjackets will compete next on Saturday, January 18, at the Coach Richard Alsup Open, hosted by Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. Events are set to begin at 9 a.m. in the Hughes Fieldhouse.

For more information on Graceland men's and women's indoor track and field and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.