Lopes return to Flagstaff

Friday, January 17

Flagstaff, Ariz.

2 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Lumberjack Team Challenge

Photo by: Elizabeth Tinajero

1/16/2020 10:00:00 AM | Track and Field

GCU travels to NAU to compete in 2nd meet of season

By: Sam Kuzminski

The Grand Canyon track and field team will return to Flagstaff this Friday to compete at the Lumberjack Team Challenge meet at 2 p.m.

"Looking forward to be heading back up to NAU again this Friday," GCU head coach Tom Flood said.

At the season-opening Friday Night Duels last week, Lopes sophomore Jorden Okyere broke a school record with a weight throw of 17.49 meters. Strong performances last week were also brought forth from junior jumpers Josh Onwordi and Aleksandris Eglitis. Distance runners Jacob Lewis, a redshirt freshman, and Paige Hildebrandt, a senior, also each placed fifth in the 1-mile event at 4 minutes and 29.47 seconds and 5:15.26, respectively.

"We had several fantastic early-season results last Friday and hopefully shook off some holiday rust in other events," Flood said. "Last week, we had a lot of newcomers competing for the first time and I think they had some first meet jitters, but we will be ready this week."

The team is eager to take on the competition this week, as the Lopes will be competing in their regular events instead of the secondary events that they participated in last week. GCU will face UNLV, Arizona State, Southern Utah and UC Irvine, among other programs.

The Lopes are looking to continue their success that was brought forth by multi-athlete Niki Xydona and pole vaulter Alyson Schwartz, who were named WAC Women's Track and Field Athletes of the Week.

"Hopefully, we keep everyone healthy and get even better this Friday," Flood said.