Taylor, Milks Lead Graceland Men at Grand View Viking Classic

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Graceland men's outdoor track and field team produced multiple podium finishes Friday at the Grand View Viking Classic, highlighted by a sprint title and field event scoring performances as the Yellowjackets continue preparation for the conference championship phase.

Leading the effort on the track, Brice Taylor captured the 200-meter title, clocking a 21.97 to secure the win in a competitive sprint field.

Taylor also added a fifth-place finish in the 100 meters (11.13), contributing points across short sprint events. Teammate Kaeden Monday (11th, 11.30) followed, while Elias Walker recorded 11.39, showing depth in the sprint group.

In the horizontal jumps, Cole Milks delivered a podium performance in the long jump, placing third overall with a mark of 6.51 meters (21-4.25). Milks achieved the mark on his fifth attempt.

Graceland also earned points in the vertical jumps, where Caden Israel tied for third in the pole vault, clearing 3.90 meters (12-9.5). Israel successfully navigated early heights on first attempts before reaching his finishing clearance, contributing another podium finish for the Yellowjackets.

Additional performances included Frankie Vigil (7th, hammer throw – 44.78m) and Bradley Harris (800 meters – 2:03.07), as Graceland athletes competed across multiple event groups.

"We had strong execution in key event areas, particularly in the sprints and jumps," said head coach Tom Shore. "Brice competed well through his phases, and we saw technical consistency from our field event athletes. The focus now is refining those details heading into the conference meet."

Graceland now turns its attention to the Heart of America Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships, scheduled for May 1-2 at 9 a.m. CDT at the Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the Yellowjackets will compete for conference titles and national qualifying marks.

For more information on Graceland outdoor track and field and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.