Allendale, Michigan -  The men's track and field team lifted the lid on a new season at the annual GVSU Holiday Open on Friday. The Saints won the 4x400 meter relay and were credited with two provisional national qualifying marks.

Nathan Iacona would headline for the Saints as he recorded a second place finish in the 400 meters. His time of 48.25 hit the "B" standard for Nationals and has him currently ranked second in the NAIA. Iacona would later team up with Jake Van Tassell, Keiton Fase, and Marcus Mitchell to win the 4x400 meter relay. The quartet would tally a 3:18.5 to hit the provisional qualifying mark for the NAIA National Championships. The time is currently the second fastest recorded in the NAIA. 

The Saints also saw solid performances in the men's 5000 meters.  The trio of Ethan Barker (14:50.48), Edward Frey (14:55.38), and Matthew Schieber (15:05.22) all looked great coming off strong cross country campaigns.

Thomas Bearden would lead the Saints in the field events with a third place finish in the shot put. Thomas' toss of 46-5 1/4 is a new personal best for the junior from Grand Rapids West Catholic.

Aquinas will return to action after the Christmas holiday to compete in the John Flaminio Classic on January 11th.