The Valparaiso University track & field team got the outdoor season underway on Friday with the first event at the Redbird Invite, hosted by Illinois State in Normal. The Beacons had a pair of top-10 finishers in the men’s hammer throw and one in the women’s event.  

How It Happened

• Valpo was paced by Alek Trafton (Lockport, Ill. / Lockport) in the men’s hammer throw as he turned in a mark of 52.37 meters to place seventh. This represented the best hammer throw of his collegiate career.
• Trafton was joined in the top 10 by Eddie Juszczak (Lowell, Ind. / Lowell), who finished ninth at 49.88 meters.
• In the women’s event, Michelle Pierce (Indianapolis, Ind. / Heritage Christian) heaved a 43.52m to place ninth, while Tori Gerhardt (Westville, Ind. / Chesterton) was next on the team at 39.01.

Up Next

The remaining events at the Redbird Invite will take place on Saturday in Normal. A link to live results is available on ValpoAthletics.com.