RESULTS

ROCHESTER, NY – Calvin sophomore Koby VanderWoude completed a remarkable 10-week journey on Friday, competing at the NCAA III Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 400 meter run.

VanderWoude (Caledonia, Mich./Caledonia HS) joined the Calvin men's track and field program 10 weeks ago after having never competed at a competitive level in track and field. A member of the Calvin men's basketball program the last two years, VanderWoude put his speed to good use on the track this spring, qualifying for the national meet with a (2^nd place) time of 47.83 at the MIAA Championships earlier this month. He also anchored Calvin's MIAA champion 4x400 meter relay team at the meet.

Seeded 21^st out of 22 runners heading into Friday's 400 meter prelims, VanderWoude had the unenviable position of starting in lane eight – the far outside lane – in the third and final heat of the prelims.

Running without a clear sightline of the competition for the opening 100 meters, VanderWoude continued to finish his heat with a time of 49.62 for eighth place in the heat to conclude his national meet.

The experience according to Calvin head coach Adam Haldorson was a great one for VanderWoude and will serve him well moving forward.

"What a season for a first-year guy," said Haldorson. "To make a national meet and walk away from the MIAA Championships with two medals is fantastic. The race today didn't go to plan, but Koby went out there and competed on the biggest stage. Super excited for what the future holds for Koby and Calvin Track and Field!"