Grand Valley State University Athletics

Jason VanElst is one of the Grand Valley State's most celebrated track & field performers. VanElst recorded 15 top-four GLIAC Championship performances, including three GLIAC titles. Jason, who was a five-time All-American (3 indoor/2outdoor) in the weight and hammer throws, owns more all-american honors in the throws than anyone else in Laker annals. VanElst finished fifth at the 2000 NCAA indoor championships in the weight throw (58-9.5 feet), while his toss of 60-9.5 feet in 2001 was good for sixth. He finished fifth in the hammer throw at the 2001 outdoor NCAA Championships with a toss of 182-08 feet and seventh in 2002 with a throw of 185-02 feet. The crowning moment of VanElst's career came on his final throw at the 2002 NCAA Indoor National Championships. Jason unleashed a toss of 65-9.5 feet that claimed the title and set a GVSU record that still stands today. He was Grand Valley State's first-ever track and field National Champion. VanElst owns the top two all-time hammer throws and five of the top-10 in Laker history. He has four of the top-10 throws in the weight throw and is fifth all-time in the discus.