ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The Grizzlies men's and women's Track & Field teams inaugurated the 2024 segment of their season by competing at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Their season kickoff took place at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational, providing a preview of what can be expected throughout the rest of the season.
 
The Grizzly women opened the season with a bang in the Women's 1600 Relay. Adams State secured the 6th position with a new school record time of 3:46.72. The team, comprising Isila Apkup [JR], Alese Sartain [JR], Jada Miller [FR], and Victoria Amiadamen [FR], showcased a collaborative effort that bested the previous record.
 
Alena Chaney concluded the women's long jump event by attaining the 43rd position with a marked distance of 5.16 meters. Chaney also took part in the 60 Hurdles event, and during the preliminary round, she secured the 26th position with a recorded time of 9.00.
 
Isila Apkup showcased outstanding speed and agility in the 60 Dash event, securing the 2nd position with an impressive time of 7.48.
 
Jada Miller exhibited her sprinting prowess in the Unseeded Women's 200 Dash, clinching the 20th position with a notable time of 25.14. In the same event, Alese Sartain displayed her skills, claiming the 25^th position with a notable time of 25.29.
 
Sierra Velarde achieved the 19th position in the unseeded 400 Dash event, recording a noteworthy time of 1:02.09, securing a commendable position with a competitive time. Avery Palmgren showcased her prowess as she competed in this event as well.  Palmgren clinched the 20th position, crossing the finish line with a time of 1:02.49.
 
Gracie Hyde delivered an outstanding performance in the competition, completing the event with an impressive time of 4:43.58. This remarkable effort earned her the second position in the race. Following closely, Maggie McCleskey, who also represented ASU well, secured the third position with a noteworthy time of 4:54.24. Amalia Dorion participated in the same event and delivered an impressive performance, clinching the 6th position with a notable time of 5:01.84. Vienna Lahner secured the eighth position with a time of 5:02.49, while Fiona Hawkins attained the ninth position with a time of 5:02.65.
 
In the women's 800 meters, Jessica Simon secured the 5th position with an impressive time of 2:10.83.
 
On the men's side, John Hochanadel exhibited his strength and skills in the men's weighted throw, securing the 4th position with an impressive mark of 17.99 meters.
 
James Hochanadel claimed the 4th spot in the Shot Put event with an impressive mark of 16.22 meters, while Donovan Capes secured the 10th position with a mark of 13.87 meters.
 
Awet Beraki seized control in the men's 3,000 meters, pushing the boundaries and establishing an eleven-second lead by finishing the race in 8:23.86. His teammate, Nathan Scherbarth, closely followed, securing second place with a time of 8:34.27. Juan Rosales exhibited impressive efforts, finishing strongly and claiming third place at 8:34.27. Andy Setser showcased commendable determination for the Grizzlies, securing the fifth position at 9:00.51.
 
Carmelo Corral competed in the men's mile and displayed great efforts as he secured the 14th spot, posting a time of 4:32.48.
 
David Cardenas achieved the 2nd position in the men's 800 meters, clocking an impressive time of 1:48.99. This outstanding accomplishment signifies a promising start in his pursuit of the national championship. In the same event, Andrew O'Keefe participated and achieved the 9th position with a noteworthy time of 1:53.27. Jake Beckwith secured the 16th position with an impressive time of 1:57.98, while Kien Cogley attained the 23rd position with a recorded time of 2:02.20.
 
In the Unseeded Men's 200 Dash event, Brandon Guzman claimed the 22nd position, demonstrating his speed and agility with a recorded mark of 24.37.
 
Jonah Vigil excelled in the 400 Dash event, securing the first position with an impressive time of 46.54.
 
In the unseeded 400 Dash event, Ja'Warren Smith secured the 5th position with a time of 49.47, while Elijah Hatcher claimed the 7th spot with a time of 50.71. Caleb Bafukila, also representing Adams State, achieved the 9th position with a time of 53.70.
 
Next week, the Grizzlies are set to compete in the UNM Team Open. The event kicks off on January 26 (Friday) at 1:15 p.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team's participation extends to January 27 (Saturday) from 10:00 a.m. onwards.