Allendale, Michigan - The men's track and field team lifted the lid on a new season at the annual GVSU Holiday Open this afternoon. The Saints were credited with two top five all time performances and one national qualifying mark in the 5000 meters. 

Ethan Barker moved all the way up to #2 on the Saints All-Time List. with a time of 14:50.20 in the 5000 meters. His performance ranks him 10th nationally and is a provisional qualifying for the national championships. Jake Van Tassell also had a big day for the Saints as he recorded personal bests in the 60 meter hurdles and 400 meters. His time of 8.42 in the 60 meter hurdles improved on his #3 All Time position, while his 50.15 placed him 20th in the 400 meters.

In addition to Barker's PR in the 5000 meters, the Saints also recorded three additional personal bests in the 16 2/3 laps race.  Edward Frey (14:57.59), Andrew Ireland (15:18.70), and Carson Lafferty (15:22.68) all hit personal bests following stellar cross country seasons. The sprinters also saw some outstanding performances as Nate White hit personal bests in both the 60 (6.95) and 200 (22.26), while Keiton Fase looked good in his Aquinas debut. He recorded times of 7.03 (60 meters) and 22.30 (200 meters).

The Saints will return to Grand Valley State after the Christmas holiday to compete in the Bob Eubanks Open on January 13th.