Athletes aim for personal bests at the Golden Bears Open

The 53rd Golden Bears Open (GBO) began on Friday, January 17, and field athletes came in with fire. From meet record breaks to gold medals, the Golden Bears and Pandas took charge in some events. The meet concluded with the Bears second behind the University of Manitoba Bisons. ThePandas came third behind the University of Calgary Dinos and University Saskatchewan Huskies. 

Another record broken: Rachel Grenke

In the women’s pole vault, Rachel Grenke broke not only her personal best, but a meet and program record. Grenke had already broken the program record two weeks ago at the Golden Bears and Pandas Preview at 4.15 meters. Her goals for this meet were to reach 4.20 meters — she exceeded it, reaching 4.22 meters. 

“It was so thrilling. Everybody was cheering me on, and it was a crazy environment,” Grenke said. 

Grenke attempted a 4.30 meters vault, going for a 0.08 increase. Although she was unsuccessful it’s clear that she has her eyes set on breaking more records. As a U Sports auto-qualifier, she will be present on the national level representing the U of A. 

“I have a very good training plan, and I’ve been staying healthy, so managing my body and staying healthy is the main thing,” Grenke said. 

In comparison to the other athletes at her event, April Kippers from the Pandas is closest behind Grenke at 3.45 meters. This makes it obvious that Grenke is at another level in Canada West for pole vault. The question of how she’ll match up against the east remains.

Number one in two events: Wesley Eze

Another top athlete within field events is Wesley Eze. Wesley competed at two events at the GBO, shot-put and weight throw. He placed first in both, leading by a significant margin. 

Going into the shot-put event on Friday, Eze was ranked first with his personal best of 16.24 meters. Although he didn’t break his record, he finished first at 16.06 meters. Tristan Friesen from the Dinos landed behind him at 15.45 meters. 

Eze has his eyes set on a school record, but claims this performance was a “step in the right direction.” He was injured early in the season, so with a recovery enabling him to keep consistent in his training, that record of 17.23 meters doesn’t seem too far fetched. 

“I’ve been very consistent this year, and that’s what I’ve been working on. Really just working on that mental fortitude to keep on going and be ready to go [for the next event],” Eze said.

On Saturday, Eze also competed in the weight throw event where he reached 17.58 meters. This was again behind his personal best of 17.96 meters. In this event, Eze needs to keep an eye out. Joshua Suelzle from the Bisons was not far behind at 17.18 meters at the GBO and a 17.58 meters as his personal best. Eze will also be heading for U Sports as another auto-qualifier from the U of A.

Personal bests at big meets: Addison Lauer

The track and field program has received a total of 36 rookies this season. With such a big crowd coming in, it’s expected that many of them will be getting personal bests at various meets. With new coaching and a new team behind them there’s no doubt they’re finding a new home at the U of A. 

Addison Lauer, first-year long jumper, got a new personal best at the GBO reaching 5.57 meters. Although she came fifth in her event, Lauer said she is “very happy” with her performance. This is also her first big meet with all the Canada West teams present. 

“It’s nice to get a feeling of where I stand within all those people. I’m really excited to see how much I can improve with my first year and with the coaching that I’ve had so far,” Lauer said. 

Lauer is just starting out with the Pandas, but she already has her eyes set on getting more personal bests. To do this she will be improving those “little” parts of her jump to get a few extra centimeters. 

As a rookie, Lauer seems to be settling in well with the Bears and Pandas. A team that is dedicated to supporting each other through each event, Lauer has found a group of people who will encourage her to reach her goals. 

“Everyone on the team is super nice. [I made] a lot of new friends with all the other rookies too. It’s been very easy to get to know people. Lots of encouragement, [from] so many supportive people here,” Lauer said.