East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University's track and field teams are preparing to start their 2024-25 season at the GVSU Holiday Open, hosted by Grand Valley State University. The event will take place at the Kelly Family Sports Center in Allendale, Michigan, on Friday, December 6, with field events commencing at 1:30 p.m.

The women's team aims to defend its title after securing its ninth MAC championship at the 2024 MAC Indoor Track & Field Championships. A win in the upcoming season would mark a historic three-peat for the program.

The men's team features returning champions Ryan Johnson and Formula Thompson. Johnson achieved titles in both weight throw during indoor season and hammer throw in outdoor competitions. Thompson claimed victories in long jump indoors and triple jump outdoors.

On the women's side, former MAC champions Kyra Buffen, Saraiah Walkes, and Paige Marchant are back. Buffen excelled in triple jump events while Walkes won titles in both 200m and 60m dashes during indoor season. Marchant's achievements include multiple individual championships at the MAC Indoor Championships.

Ryan Johnson was honored as MAC Men's Freshman Field Performer of the Year for both indoor and outdoor seasons. Paige Marchant received recognition as MAC Women's Most Valuable Track Performer for her contributions during indoor season.

Eastern returns several All-MAC honorees from last year's indoor and outdoor seasons across both men's and women's teams.

Coaching staff changes have been made with Chris Best and Sterling Roberts taking on roles as Directors of Cross Country/Track & Field. New additions include Austin Whitelaw focusing on distance events and Nia Henderson overseeing throws.

In national competitions, Jake McEachern excelled at Canadian U20 Track & Field Championships while Ryan Johnson succeeded at USA U20 Track & Field Championships. Formula Thompson participated in Jamaican Olympic Trials while Kayenn Mabin competed in USA U20 Track & Field Championships.

Following this meet, Eastern Michigan's track teams will compete next year at Wolverine Invitational hosted by University of Michigan on January 11th.