Koby Fraaza, Michael Griffey, and Shelby Ulven were recognized as the GLIAC Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Year for their exceptional performances at the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Fraaza's standout achievement was winning the national title in the 10,000m and contributing to GVSU's overall team championship by finishing sixth in the 5,000m. Griffey secured the Men's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year title with a personal-best hammer throw that earned him the national championship. Ulven, honored as the Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year, showcased consistent top performances in hammer throw throughout the season, culminating in her third-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

By the Numbers
  • Koby Fraaza completed the 10,000m in 29:20.62 and the 5,000m in 14:10.82.
  • Michael Griffey set a personal-best hammer throw of 69.87m (229-3) to win the national title.
  • Shelby Ulven achieved a third-place finish in the hammer throw with a mark of 60.71m (199-2).
State of Play
  • The GLIAC awards recognized outstanding athletes at the NCAA DII Championships, highlighting individual and team achievements.
  • GVSU's track and field team secured the national championship with a total of 66 points.
What's Next

With the outdoor season concluded, the focus will shift to off-season training as athletes prepare for upcoming competitions and the next collegiate season. Fraaza, Griffey, and Ulven may pursue opportunities in professional athletics following their collegiate successes.

Bottom Line

The recognition of these athletes underscores the depth of talent at GVSU's track and field program, solidifying their status as a competitive force in NCAA DII athletics. Their performances not only contributed to individual accolades but also played a crucial role in the success of their team at the national level.