High energy sets GCU up for success

Wednesday, February 3

Phoenix, Ariz.

Grand Canyon

GCU Outdoor Collegiate

2/3/2021 3:35:00 PM | Track and Field

Lopes compete in 2nd home meet of season

By: Sam Kuzminski

The Grand Canyon track and field team competed in its second-ever home meet and first outdoor qualifying competition of the season on Wednesday. The Lopes haven't competed in an outdoor qualifying meet since the 2019 season.

"Again, I am overall very pleased with today's performances," GCU head coach Tom Flood said. "It was a wonderful day for an outdoor track and field meet in February."

The Lopes continue to brush off the rust from the long competition drought and put significant performances into action. Australian native Gabriel Binion had an impressive triple jump, measuring at 15.47 meters. Although Binion's jump will only count toward regionals, he surpassed school record holder and All-American Kevin Lashley's triple jump from the 2013 NCAA Divison II Championships (15.45 meters).

"I thought true freshman Gabe Binion had a terrific triple jump series," Flood said. "He would have broken our school record if the wind was a little lower."

GCU senior Alexa Hokanson had an outstanding performance in the 800-meter race, placing second with a time of 2 minutes, 14 seconds. Freshman Brian Martinez pulled through to win the 1,500 at 4:00.50.

Another highlight was sophomore transfer Jan Kral, who won the 200 and 400 with times of 21.48 and 48.72 seconds, respectively. Junior Kyle DeMoica won the 100 at 10.73. Also coming out on top, sophomore Austin Atencio measured 7.26 meters in the long jump.

"I also thought that Jan Kral raced well in the 400-meter and 200-meter double and that Austin Atencio looked good in the long jump today," Flood said. "Kyle DeMoica also was impressive in the 100-meter race."

Lopes junior Jorden Okyere set the bar high for the throwers with a personal record of 16.32 meters in the shot put. Okyere was 2 centimeters away from breaking the school record, which is held by teammate Moataz Hassan.

Two of the Lopes on the women's side were able to throw over the 40-meter mark in javelin and set personal records. Sophomore Alyssa Walls measured at 42.05 meters and junior multi-athlete Rae Queener threw 40.84 meters.

"We will have the next two weeks to train hard before we take a small group up to Colorado for a meet," Flood said.

The Lopes will compete next at the Air Force Collegiate Open in Colorado on Feb. 19.