ALLENDALE, Michigan - With four different Cavaliers competing at the 2022 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships this weekend in six different events, the combinations were aplenty for Walsh to bring home some awards back South this weekend.
All four of the participants earned at least one All-American honor at Grand Valley State in five different events. Alexa Leppelmeier claimed a pair of All-American awards in the 5K and the 3000 meter steeplechase. Kelsey Hartsock added a First Team All-American award in the Pole Vault. Ndidiamaka Anaraodo and Jesse Houle were Second Team All-American in the Discus Throw and Hammer Throw, respectively.
Leppelmeier now has nine All-American honors between cross country, indoor and outdoor track for her career - including three outdoor All-American accolades. She qualified for the 3000 Steeplechase finals on Thursday with a prelim time of 10:24.57 before she finished as national runner-up in the finals, clocking in at 10:12.91 on Friday. On Saturday, Leppelmeier finished 11th in the 5K with a time of 16:47.08 as she added a Second Team All-American award to her resume.
As a freshman, Hartsock followed up her indoor National Championship debut with an even better outdoor run in the Pole Vault. Hartsock topped out at 4.15 meters (13' 7.25") for an fifth place finish - while breaking the school record. She was one of three competitors with a 4.15 meter vault but ranked first by the number of attempts. She made the bar on her first try of 4.15 meters for a First Team All-American honor.
Anaraodo took part in the Shot Put and Discus Throw events over the weekend while placing in the top 12 in the Discus Throw. She was 11th best in the Discus Throw with a throw of 43.92 meters, gaining a Second Team All-American award. She now has four All-American awards in her career. She did not mark in the Shot Put on Saturday.
Jesse Houle placed 11th overall in the Hammer Throw as he began his National Championships debut with an 59.26 meter throw. Houle topped out at 59.26 meters for a Second Team All-American accolade.
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