East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) track and field athletes achieved notable performances at the Spartan Invitational held at Ralph Young Field, East Lansing, on April 4. The event, hosted by Michigan State University, saw EMU athletes setting 21 personal bests and achieving 17 top-three finishes.

The women’s team excelled with 13 Eagles recording personal bests. Notably, Lena Korte from Clinton, Mich., thrived in the hammer throw with a personal best of 47.76 meters, and Cara Weber from Union, Ky., clinched first place in the unseeded 1500m race with a time of 4:56.63. The women’s team collected eight top-three finishes overall.

On the men's side, 11 athletes set personal bests alongside nine top-three placements. Aaron Schwieterman from Miamisburg, Ohio, stood out by winning the 3000m steeplechase in a time of 9:57.37. The unfavorable weather conditions led to a decision to move all jumping events indoors to the Jenison Field House.

The competition saw athletes exhibiting prowess in various events. Shamoya Clemetson achieved personal bests in both the 100m hurdles (14.33) and the javelin throw (20.85 meters). In the distance events, Liv Hatch, Frankie Moore, and Erika Van Loton revealed their speed in the seeded 1500-meter race with personal bests of 4:51.59, 4:52.05, and 5:06.99, respectively.

“McEachern's hammer throw of 60.70m (199.01) ranks third this season in the Mid-American Conference (MAC),” the report noted. Joey Furlong’s 5000m run time of 14:51.98 also ranks highly within the conference standings.

Freshman Nathan Gaspersic achieved a new record for himself in the 400m with a time of 50.05. In the same event, teammates Matt McKnight and Leo Ignacio also achieved personal bests in the 400-meter hurdles.

The Eagles will next compete at the 44 Farms Team Invitational hosted by Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, on April 11-12.

"Follow Us," EMU invited fans, announcing updates through EMUEagles.com or their social media platforms on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @EMUXC_TF.