Dordt and Northwestern Athletes Earn GPAC Track Honors

Walhof and Kalvelage recognized for standout performances in opening meets.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:21pm

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Makenna Walhof of Dordt University and Braden Kalvelage of Northwestern College have been named the GPAC Track and Field Athletes of the Week after strong showings in their season-opening meets. Walhof set a school record in the hammer throw and had a top discus mark, while Kalvelage broke the school 200m record and won the long jump.

Why it matters

The GPAC is a highly competitive conference for track and field, so these early-season honors highlight the talent and potential of these two athletes as their teams gear up for the rest of the outdoor season.

The details

Walhof, a junior from Sioux Center, placed third in the hammer throw with a school-record mark of 55.35 meters, which ranks first in the NAIA. She also finished second in the discus with a provisional mark that leads the GPAC and ranks fifth nationally. Kalvelage, a senior from Hastings, Nebraska, won the 200m dash in 21.16 seconds, breaking the Northwestern school record, and took first in the long jump with an 'A' standard mark of 7.56 meters, which is the best in the GPAC.

  • On Friday, Walhof competed at the Wildcat Classic.
  • On Saturday, Walhof and Kalvelage both had their standout performances.

The players

Makenna Walhof

A junior thrower for the Dordt University Defenders track and field team.

Braden Kalvelage

A senior sprinter and jumper for the Northwestern College Red Raiders track and field team.

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The takeaway

These early-season honors for Walhof and Kalvelage showcase the high level of talent in the GPAC conference and the potential for both athletes to have standout seasons for their respective teams.