UPLAND, Ind. - Grace's track and field team enjoyed a strong showing on the opening day of the 2025 Crossroads League Indoor Track and Field Championships on Friday.

The day was highlighted by a first-place finish by Grace's women's 4x800-meter relay team.

The foursome of Esther Cameron, Cadence Manning, Cece Mitchell and Morgan Welch smashed the competition with an NAIA "A" time of 9:26.32. The relay crew won the race by 16 seconds, finishing with one of the top-five times in the NAIA this season.

Grace had several other events collect points as well.

Cole Johnston produced a fourth-place showing in the 5,000 with a time of 15:35.00, and Makayla Neal earned a sixth-place showing in the pentathlon with 2,707 points.

The men's 4x800 relay crew of Carter Clear, Ty McPhatter, John Young and Hudson Fisher grabbed sixth place with a time of 8:01.06.

During the weight throw Lanae Crowe ended in seventh place with a launch of 13.82 meters, and Brock Lengacher was eighth for the men at 13.74 meters.

Noah Zimmerman cleared 6.37 meters in the long jump to place seventh.

At the conclusion of the day, the men's team sits tied for sixth place overall with 11 points, eight points out of third. The women have 15 points and are tied for seventh in the team standings.

"We have a full day tomorrow, and we are looking forward to day two. Each event squad is progressing as expected with our ultimate goal fixed on the outdoor season," said Grace head coach Brian Dewey. "Indoor is part of our process, and the team is embracing the journey. Everyone is excited for all of the competition that tomorrow will bring."