GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport track and field teams had student-athletes all over the place in four different locations over the past few days to see if they can either improve on their national marks or perhaps put their name on the national performance list with just a few weeks until the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in Emporia, Kansas.

On Wednesday, May 8, a handful of Panthers traveled to Hillsdale College. The women's 4x100 relay of Erin Boettcher, Julia Tuuri, Leialani Akalaonu, and Haley Esser placed third with a time of 47.61. Annabelle Schafer took second in the long jump (17' 10.25") and then took third in the javelin (114' 4"). Nick Ruvalcaba hit the provisional mark in the pole vault and he is 32nd in the nation at 16' 2.75". Noah Evers won the shot put at 60' 9.5", but he did not improve his best which is currently second in the nation at 62' 2.5". Evers also won the discus at 171' 8", but again did not improve his season best of 175' 5" which is 18th in Division II. Bryce Monroe placed fourth with a throw of 54' 2.75".

On Saturday, there were three student-athletes that made the trip to Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. Erin Dorn competed in the 800 meters and ran 2:10.95, but did not improve from her 2:09.58 which is currently 27th in Division II. Ella Baryo finished fifth in the 3,000 steeplechase with a time of 11:20.83. Nik Shilling had a big day winning the 800 meters with a time of 1:48.89. He improved upon his own school record in the event and is now third in the country.

Madison Hernandez went to the Grand Valley State Last Chance meet and placed sixth in the hammer throw (145'). Bryce Albrecht finished third in the pole vault at 16' 8" and Ruvalcaba was sixth at 16' 2". Evers threw the discus 183' 4" to set a new school record and is now seventh in that event in the country.

The final meet was hosted by St. Francis in Joliet, Ill. Tuuri improved on her school record in the 100 meters (11.93) and finished fifth. Kierstyn Stoin also competed in the 400 meters and ran 1:01.62. Solomon King placed second in the 100 meters (10.39) and moved up to a tie for 32nd in Division II. Ethan Scholten was third at 10.40 seconds in the 100 meters to equal his effort from the GLIAC Outdoor Championships. King also finished second in the 200 meters (21.58).