Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
GVSU Bill Clinger Classic
Track & Field Wraps-up GVSU Bill Clinger Classic
1/23/2026 10:29:00 PM | Track & Field
Chippewas medal in six events, nine improve personal bests
ALLENDALE, Mich. — Central Michigan Track & Field braved the cold to travel to Grand Valley State for the Bill Clinger Friday, Jan. 23. The 23-school field comprised of Michigan area colleges and universities, and was highlighted by the University of Michigan, Grand Valley, and Ferris State.
The Chippewas took the top spot in three events: the 4x400 relay, 60m hurdles, and the open section of the weight throw.
Finishing three seconds ahead of second place, the 4x400 team set a new season best of 3:48.79. The team comprised of Linnearia Richards, Danica Shamion, Libby Munderloh and Robyn Watts.
On the day Richards finished top of the podium twice, she kicked off her day with an 8.89 finish in the 60m hurdles, good enough to make the cut for the finals. Richards then went on to cross the line first in a personal best time of 8.72 seconds.
Victoria Merrick took home the top spot in the open section of weight throw, her second of the season. Merrick set the winning mark of 16.04m on her fifth attempt.
We are really happy with how our team competed today. We had a lot of people get out of their comfort zone and really go for it, Head Coach Jenny Swieton said. It was a great day all across the board, with a huge highlight from our 4x400 team.
Emily Yoshino led the CMU vaulters with a 3.72m vault, good for second place in the 22-woman field. Riley Nielsen finished not far behind Yoshino with a 3.57m vault for fourth place, and freshman Jane Paddock secured tenth with a personal best 3.42m.
Sophia Garland rounded out the Chippewa medals with a third-place finish of 56.85 seconds in the 200m, setting an indoor personal best in the process.
Seven more Chippewas set a new personal best for themselves. On the distance side, the freshman trio of Grace VanderKooi, Kyah Hoffman, and Eva Thompson set a new personal best in the Mile, each breaking the 5-minute mark in the process. Vanderkooi led the group with a sixth-place finish of 4:59.7, Hoffman crossed eighth at 4:59.3, and Thompson took 10th at 4:59.8. Senior Kate Jenkins took 13th in the event, with a personal best of 5:02.3
Nicole Olivieri secured a 10th-place finish in the 600m, with a 1:42.19 finish.
Emma Netzel led CMU in the 3000m, finishing in a personal best of 10:23.4.
In a 53-athlete field, Jessie Gibbins led the way for the Chippewas, posting a 2:17.55 for fourth overall. Nikki Carothers set a personal best in the event of 2:24.89
Danica Shamion led the way in the 400m, placing fourth with an indoor personal best of 56.85.
Central Michigan continues its indoor slate with the Meyo Invitational, hosted by Notre Dame, Jan. 30-31, before heading back to Mount Pleasant for Senior Day at the Chippewa Invitational Feb. 7.
Players Mentioned
