Ferris State Runs To Success As Bulldogs Set 13 PR's & Johnson Reaches National-Qualifying Mark

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's and women's outdoor track and field teams ran to success on Saturday (April 18) as the Bulldogs set more than 13 personal records and had a NCAA Division II National Provisional Qualifier as they competed in the Al Owens Classic hosted by Grand Valley State in Allendale.

The large meet included teams and athletes from across the state, including FSU, GVSU, Michigan State, Calvin, Cornerstone, Oakland, Michigan Tech, Hillsdale, Lake Superior State, Davenport, Aquinas and more.

Bulldog senior Samantha Johnson won the 1,500 meters for the Bulldogs and topped the national provisional qualifying standard as she turned in an impressive time of 4:32.82 in winning the race. FSU had a one-two finish in the 1,500 meters as senior teammate Breeann Ovokaitys took runner-up honors behind Johnson with a clocking of 4:35.90.

FSU's Ashley Hamilton placed sixth overall in the 800 meters (2:17.04) with Ovokaitys coming in 13th overall (2:20.70) in a large field. Samantha Humphrey placed 12th in the 1,500 meters (4:46.65) and Emily Haynes was 15th in the 5,000 meters (19:12.28).

In the throws, FSU's Briana Raasio was the runner-up in the javelin (121-10) while Rachel Long was 10th in the hammer throw (147-4) and Raasio placed 13th in the discus (125-11) as the duo led the Bulldogs' contingent of throwers.

Ferris State's Josh Duggan finished seventh in the 200 meters (22.63), Trevor Holowaty was 10th in the 3,000 meters (15:52.84) with Max Hodges coming in 11th in the 800 meters (1:56.55). Senior Spencer Gerber placed 11th in the 1,500 meters (4:01.53) and Kyle Richardson took 14th place in the 1,500 meters (4:02.68).

The Bulldogs' Hayden Francisco placed seventh in the javelin (157-4) and FSU had three individuals place among the top 14 in the men's hammer throw with Austin Grant placing ninth (161-3), Ross Miller 13th (151-7) and Tyler Satkowiak 14th (149-2) overall. Both Ryan Stankey and Miller tied for 13th for FSU in the shot put with throws of 45-10.75 in the event. Brett Allpow came in 14th in the discus (141-9).

FSU was also 17th in the men's 4x400-meter relay (3:36.60).

Overall, the Bulldogs compiled 29 points in placing eighth in the women's 18-team field and FSU also totaled four points on the men's side.

Ferris State is back in action this coming week with competitors at the Hillsdale "Gina" Relays set for April 23-25 along with the Ernie Mousseau Classic in Grand Rapids on April 24-25. The two meets are FSU's final competitions prior to the upcoming GLIAC Championships in Hillsdale.