Graceland Track and Field Competes at Washburn Open and Grinnell Invite

TOPEKA, Kan. / GRINNELL, Iowa – The Graceland University men's and women's track and field teams competed in a two-day slate, traveling to the Washburn Open and Multis on Friday, January 31, in Topeka, Kan., before concluding the weekend at the Grinnell Invite on Saturday, February 1, in Grinnell, Iowa. The Yellowjackets continued their indoor season with strong performances across multiple events. Graceland competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) and enters the next week of competition looking to build on these results.

Washburn Open and Multis – January 31 (Topeka, Kan.)

The Washburn Open featured a deep field of competitors, including NAIA, NCAA Division II, and junior college athletes.

Men's Highlights

60m Dash: Freshman Robert Robinson clocked a 7.11, finishing in the top half of a highly competitive field. Teammate Kaeden Monday followed closely with a 7.14.
200m Dash: Monday doubled back with a 22.75, improving his season-best mark.
400m Dash: Senior Jalen Carter recorded a 52.38, competing against a stacked lineup.

Women's Highlights

200m Dash: Jacey Lewis posted a 28.60, while Trinity Hancock finished in 29.29, both competing against a loaded field.
400m Dash: Grace Testerman finished with a 1:09.56, gaining valuable experience.

The Washburn Open provided an opportunity for Graceland athletes to face elite competition, which will serve as preparation for upcoming conference and national-level meets.

Grinnell Invite – February 1 (Grinnell, Iowa)

The Grinnell Invite provided a strong setting for the Yellowjackets to compete in a more controlled meet environment.

Men's Highlights

60m Dash: Robinson improved upon his time from Washburn, finishing in 7.11.
400m Dash: Carter ran 52.12, placing inside the top ten.
800m Run: James Taylor clocked a 2:04.89, competing against regional opponents.
4x400m Relay: The men's relay team finished with a solid 3:35.42, improving their season best.

Women's Highlights

60m Dash: Freshman Kylie Overkamp posted an 8.75, while teammate Vashansti Glover followed with an 8.82.
200m Dash: Glover and Overkamp returned to run 29.65 and 30.14, respectively.
400m Dash: Testerman ran 1:13.50, earning second place in her heat.
800m Run: Thayadorra Echavarria did not compete due to a scratch but looks ahead to future races.
Mile Run: Lidya Haile finished with a 7:00.96, gaining experience for future distance events.

The Grinnell Invite allowed Graceland to compete against other NAIA and small-college programs, offering athletes a chance to refine their performances before heading into the final stretch of the indoor season.

Up Next

Graceland will return to action at the Bearcat Invite on Saturday, February 7, in Maryville, Mo. The Yellowjackets will look to continue their progress and build on their recent performances.

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