GVSU Bob Eubanks Open

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the Notre Dame Running Club embarked on a journey north to Grand Valley State University to compete in their annual Bob Eubanks Open. Since this was the first meet of the year, expectations were rather subdued; however, if the results of this meet are in any way indicative of the season to come, . . . . watch out NIRCA.

The first of three relevant events was the mile. Not the 1500m, not the 1600m, but the full, glorious, free, and patriotic mile that our founding fathers fought for many years ago. Back from the land of the red carnations (Spain), Ingrid Corpus started us off with a stellar time of 5:40.93, placing 40th of 62. On the men’s side, Pieter Heesters set yet another new club record, running a 4:16.02 mile, placing 8th out of 111. As expected, Ryan Fryer had an incredible performance, running 4:33.99 for 56th, though Owen Donaher, who ran 4:36.46 for 62nd, may have been a little too close for comfort. (For those wondering, a 4:36.46 mile converts to a 2:05.03 800m - we believe in you, Owen.) Next up were four stud freshmen. Patrick Boyd ran his best season opener to date with a 4:41.60 for 69th. Jack Whitman was right behind with a 4:43.08 for 72nd. Carlos Jison ran a splendid 4:44.56 for 74th. Jonathan Ruiz Altamirano had a great race, running 5:21.98 for 108th.

Next up was the 200m. Theresa Kerker has put together an impressive group this year, and it is finally time for their work to come to fruition. After a heartwarming, team-building group warmup (pics below), it was time for the racing to begin. First up, Morgan Casey absolutely cooked the competition with a 29.01 for 59th. Theresa Kerker wasn’t far behind, running 30.61 for 77th. On the men’s side, we have Alan Yap, whose flashy PR’s are second only to his flashy personality. Alan ran a stunning 24.93 for 69th place.

The last event of the night was the 3000m. After warming up to “Fitter Happier”, which helped him to reflect on his place in a monotonous capitalistic society, devoid of all personality, where he is seen as just a number, while simultaneously helping him to get incredibly hyped for the race, Zach Wrobel was able to conquer his internal doubts and run a gob-smackingly perfect time of 9:27.59 for 51st place. In a similar vein, after vigorously studying the Machiavellian principles of power politics and winning at all costs, Tyler Gordon was able to utilize said principles to run an incredible breakout race of 9:33.60 for 55th. Winston Fairchild followed with a respectable 9:40.47 for 63rd, with remarkably consistent splits, as usual.

Thanks to GVSU for a fantastic meet! Looking ahead, the Irish are headed to Hillsdale College in a few short days to further establish dominance in every corner of the Midwest. Go Irish, and stay frosty.

Post by: Winston Fairchild

Photos by: Winston Fairchild and Jonathan Karr

© 2025 Notre Dame Running Club (runclub@nd.edu)