Dec. 20, 2005

Grand Valley State cross country head coach Jerry Baltes announced the signing of Wendy Mahlan to run cross country for the Lakers for the 2006 season. Mahlan comes to GVSU from Belmont High School in Decatur, Ind.

Mahlan finished 28th at the Indiana state meet with a 4,000 meter time of 14:42. Prior to the state meet, she finished in fourth place at the New Haven semistate meet in a time of 14:45. She also ran the Bellmont Regional (14:48) and Sectional Championships (15:23). Last spring, Wendy finished fifth at the Indiana outdoor state 3,200 meet in a time of 11:05.17.

"Wendy will be a great addition to our women's distance squad," said Baltes. "We feel she has what it takes to help us accomplish our goal of winning a national championship."

"Wendy has a great resume of running accomplishments over her high school career," added Baltes. "We are very excited to have an opportunity to work with such a gifted student-athlete over the next few years."