“Where the Best Meet the Best!”
(16 of the best performance in the state in each event compete for top honors!)
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Welcome to
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Teresa Weatherall Neal
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Students, Parents, Prospective Parents, and Community Stakeholders:
For more than 150 years, our highly qualified, dedicated and compassionate educators have been serving
the children and families of this great community. We have a long standing tradition and legacy of
cultivating the talents of our students so they may achieve their greatest potential and go on to change the
world. We have produced astronauts, U.S. Senators, Mayors, movie stars, nuclear scientists, famous
authors, a Nobel Peace prize winner, professional athletes, Civil Rights leaders, industrialists, and a First
Lady of the United States of America, just to name a few.
This is because of our deep rooted belief that all children can reach their academic potential through
effort, high expectations, and strong support systems. GRPS has more than 1,400 highly qualified
teachers who rank among the best, most dedicated, hard working educational professionals in this entire
state. This includes more than 170 highly qualified, bilingual teachers and support staff that help set this
district apart from the rest in serving English Language Learners. Just recently, the State Superintendent
named one of our Ottawa Hills High School teachers the 2012-2013 Michigan Teacher of the Year. I
believe this speaks volumes and is truly symbolic of the tremendous talent we have in this district working
to support the success of our students.
Athletic Vision Statement
“Grand Rapids Public Schools will create educational opportunities and
experiences, through athletics, that will enhance student achievement,
student development and school culture.”
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January 1, 2016
Dear Coach,
There is a new Track & Field invitational coming in 2016 and we are extending a special
invitation to you and your program.
The Grand Rapids Elite Challenge is set to convene spring 2016 at the historic Julius Houseman
Field Stadium located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The new invitational promises to be an
experience that all runners will aspire to attend.
What make this event new and different will be the types of events that will be featured along
with the qualifying standard to appear in such a meet. The meet will be hosting a series of relays
not commonly found in traditional invitationals in this area. It will also have appearances and
performances from 5th grades up to 12th grades for both boys and girls in these specialty events.
This new meet will bring together the top performances in the state for a day of competition and
fun. So, we are sending you this informational packet for you to mark your calendar and make
plans to be in attendance with your qualifying athletes to perform and compete on our West
Michigan community stage for Track & Field.
Space is limited and the selection process is intense as there are many top level performances to
consider.
Please review the contents of the packet carefully and start your planning NOW!
We cheerfully look forward to your response in the very near future.
Thank you.
Best wishes for continued success this school year.
Sincerely,
Kurt D. Johnson
Executive Director
Dan Ebright
Varsity Coach
Tony Shellman
Varsity Coach
Dan Droski
Varsity Coach
Marcus Harris
Athletic Director
Justin Walker
Athletic Director
Nicholas Kampmueller
Finiancial/Events
Coordinator
Matthew Verley
Middle School
Coordinator
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2
Welcome & GRPS Athletic Vision Statement
Page 3
Elite Challenge Flyer
Page 4
Letter to Coaches
Page 6
High School – Boys and Girls
Page 9
Event line-up and standards
Page 11
High School – List of events
Page 12
Event Descriptions
Page 14
Elementary and Junior High/Middle School
Page 16
Notes
Page 18
Elite Challenge Check List
Page 19
Admissions and Fees
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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS – 2016 (Submit Entry online at Athletic.net)
1. All high school competitors must compete for their high school teams and be cleared for
competition by the school Athletic Director or Principal/Headmaster. Relay teams must consist
of runners from the same school.
2. Competition in the High School Division of the Elite Challenge is under the supervision of
official representatives of the meet officials. To be eligible for competition in the Elite Challenge
High School events, a school must conform to the following:
a. Be a member in good standing or recognized as an allied member in good standing of its own
State High School Athletic Association (e.g., MHSAA, OHSAA, IHSA)
b. If not so recognized or a member of the MHSAA, it must be approved by GRPS Athletics
Elite Challenge Executive Director as having eligibility standards which conform to or are more
strict than those of the State Association.
c. Specific eligibility requirements, such as that of age limit, shall be those established by the
State High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) under which they regularly compete.
However, in no instance may an athlete exceed the following limits:
Age limit: athlete may not turn 19 before the first day of school in the competition year.
High School attendance limit: 8 semesters, students are eligible, as are students who
may have been invited based on performance in the 2014-15 or 2015-16 school years.
3. Any Michigan school that is not a member of the MHSAA and wishes to participate in relays
and elite individual events must have its principal or headmaster request, in writing request,
special permission and admittance to the Elite Challenge involving Non-Member Schools to the
GRPS Athletic Office. The approved request binds those schools to complying with the
Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) eligibility requirements. The signed
request of this form must be received by the GRPS Athletic Office no later than April 1, 2016.
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Non-member schools from states other than Michigan must be approved or recommended for
competition by the GRPS Athletic Office in order to compete in relays or elite individual events.
4. Team Membership: No athlete may participate with two different affiliations in the Grand
Rapids Elite Challenge.
5. Rules of Competition: The rules of competition for the Elite Challenge shall be the 2015
Official MHSAA Rules Book, except where the longtime practices, special facilities, and special
written rules of Houseman Field Facility may require otherwise.
6. Relay Substitutions: The standard rules regarding replacement on relays will apply for all
levels (elementary thru high school). This allows for two substitutions. Only four medals will
be awarded. Relay apparel of participant runners must be identical.
7. Track and Field Surfaces: at Houseman Field all jumping surfaces and the runways are
synthetic surfaces of 3/8″ thickness.
8. Spikes: Only 1/4″ spikes are allowed. No corkscrew or needle spikes will be
allowed. Pyramid spikes ONLY. Spikes will be checked!!!
9. Checkpoints: Relay zone and jumping event checkpoints may be marked with standard
Biodegradable Chalk only! No other items may be used, including trainer’s tape, powder, duct
tape, masking tape, tacks or safety pins!!!
10. Starting Blocks will be provided by Elite Challenge and Houseman Field (facility) where
the use of blocks is considered essential. This includes finals of all hurdle races and finals of all
High School relays starting in lanes. No starting blocks other than these provided will be
permitted on the field.
11. Ties: Running event ties will be broken by re-reading the photo-timer images to onethousandth of a second. All field event ties are broken by the next best attempt.
12. Lane Priority: Turn Races (8 lanes) 4-5-3-6-2-7-1-8
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13. Verification of Receipt of Entries: The Grand Rapids Elite Challenge will not accept
entries of elite individual events after the deadlines April 18th. Coaches should email
[email protected] to verify that their entries have been received. In emergencies, coaches
may call before the deadline (616-819-3168). Please do not call for this information on other
days.
14. Notice of Acceptance: Acceptance into events for both boys and girls grades 5th thru 12th
will be posted on the website www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge and Athletic.net. All teams
not listed are rejected and will not be allowed to compete.
15. Results will be posted on the website www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge and Athletic.net
as soon as possible. Results will not be supplied to coaches in the Press Area.
18. Jury of Appeals will be chaired by Lew Clingman. A written request must accompany an
appeal. The Elite Challenge has no official video aside from the official timing system, and no
independent video may be used in protests or appeals.
HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS – BOYS AND GIRLS 2016
Elite individual event performances must be achieved during the 2015 or 2016 seasons (outdoors
or indoors). All marks must be achieved in meets among at least two schools. Marks not readily
verifiable in local, regional or national track & field periodicals or on acceptable local, regional
or national websites must include supporting documentation.
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Standards for all entries all grades boys and girls:
Time
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Qualifying Time
9:45 AM
10:30 AM
10:45 AM
11:05 AM
Events
Gates Open
Open Field Events (3 entries per school)
 Pole Vault (girls first)
 Discus (boys first, 4 throws)
 Long Jump (open pit 9am-11am)
 Shot Put (girls first, 4 throws)
 High Jump
High School Open 1600m (4 entries per school) (estimate 2
boy’s heats, 2 girl’s heats)
High School Shuttle Hurdle Relay – 4 boys, 4 girls heats
High School Elite 1600 – 1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat
High School Elite 400 – 2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats
High School Elite 110/100 hurdles – 2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats
11:25 AM
11:35 AM
High School Elite 800 – 1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat
“Eubanks 100” High School Elite 100 – 2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats
Boys (2:02) Girls (2:25)
Boys (11.4 FAT), Girls (13.3 FAT)
11:50 AM
Girls – 10’; Boys – 13’3”
Girls – 94’; Boys – 128’
Girls - 15’3; Boys – 20’
Girls – 31’6”; Boys – 46’6”
Girls – 4’10”; Boys – 6’
12:20 PM
High School Elite Field Event
 Pole Vault (girls first)
 Discus (boys first)
 Long Jump (4 Jumps)
 Shot Put (girls first)
 High Jump
Elementary and Middle School 100m (4 boy’s, 4 girl’s heats)
11:50 AM
Elementary and Middle School 1600 (2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats)
Boys 7-8 (5:30), Girls 7-8 (6:00),
Boys 5-6 (6:00), Girls 5-6 (6:30)
12:40 PM
Elementary and Middle School 4 x 100m relay (2 boys, 2 girls
heats)
Boys 7-8 (50.5), Girls 7-8 (56.0),
Boys 5-6 (1:05), Girls 5-6 (1:10)
1:00 PM
1:20 PM
1:45 PM
2:15 PM
2:45 PM
3:15 PM
4:00 PM
High School 4 x 200m relay - 2 boys, 2 girls heats
High School Elite 3200 – 1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat
High School 4 x 100m – 2 boys, 2 girls heats
High School 4 x 800m relay 1 boys, 1 girls heat
High School Swedish Relay – 2 boys, 2 girls heats
High School Distance Medley Relay (1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat)
High School 4 x 400m relay 2 boys, 2 girls heat
9:00 AM
Boys (4:32) Girls (5:20)
Boys (52.0 FAT) Girls (62.0 FAT)
Boys (15.5 FAT), Girls (16.4 FAT)
Boys 7-8 (12.24 FAT or 12.0 HT),
Girls 7-8 (13.44 FAT or 13.2 HT),
Boys 5-6 (15.24 FAT or 15.0 HT),
Girls 5-6 (15.64 FAT or 15.4 HT)
Boys (10:00), Girls (11:25)
*In the event that there are less than 16 entries the next best
performances will be considered for entry in the elite events.
(Submit entry online at Athletic.net)
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Achievement of the previous listed standards does not guarantee acceptance.
Size of fields as listed under event headings are approximate and will be adjusted as
circumstances require. Event starting times may change (as much prior notification as possible
will be provided-no guarantees).
Updating Team or Individual Times:
Submission of updated team relay times or individual times must be approved and acceptable
times achieved in approved and acceptable competitions. For consideration, not an absolute
guarantee, submission must be made to Athletic.net by April 18th and must be verifiable.
All deadlines must be met for updated times submissions. THIS IS THE COACH’S
RESPONSIBILITY. DO NOT CALL THE ATHLETIC OFFICE WITH UPDATES. These
times will be used by the Elite Challenge in selecting the limited number of teams and
individuals to compete and in seeding sections. Accepted entrants will be posted on the website
on Athletic.net and www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge (all relays/all events). Entrants not on
this list will not be allowed to compete.
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HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS – BOYS AND GIRLS

4x100m Relay. Lane Priority: 4-5-3-6-2-7-1-8.

4x200m Relay.

4x400m Relay.

4x800m Relay

Distance Medley Relay (1200-400-800-1600).

Swedish Relay (100, 200, 300, 400)

Shuttle Hurdle Relay

110/100m Hurdles

Eubanks 100m

400m

800m

1600m Run. Coaches must clearly indicate on the entry whether the qualifying mark was
run at 1600m or Mile.

3200m Run. Coaches must clearly indicate on the entry form whether the qualifying
mark was run at 3200m or 2-Miles.

High Jump. Open: will be running two pits. Starting heights Boys – 5’8” (2” raises)
Girls – 4’6” (2” raises). Elite: 16 top qualifiers.

Pole Vault. Open: will be running two pits. Starting heights Boys – 11’ (6” raises) Girls
– 7’6” (6” raises). Elite: 16 top qualifiers

Long Jump. Open: open pit 9am-10am. Elite: 16 top qualifiers

Shot Put. Open: girls first, 4 throws. Elite: 16 top qualifiers. Competitors should bring
their own approved and acceptable weighted high school shots (international junior
implements may not be used).

Discus Throw. Open: boys first, 4 throws. Elite: 16 top qualifiers. Competitors should
bring their own approved and acceptable weighted high school discs (international junior
implements may not be used).
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EVENTS DESCRIPTIONS AND RULES
RELAYS
All relays will follow the guidelines of the USATF Officials Best Practices.
All Relay Participants MUST be dressed identical and no jewelry worn!
Shuttle Hurdle Relay
High School
A shuttle hurdle relay race consists of four athletes on a team, each team occupying two adjacent lanes on the track, with the #1
and #3 runners on the team running in one direction and the #2 and #4 runners running in the opposite direction. The runners on
each team go in sequence from 1 to 4. Since each team occupies two side by side lanes, there are a maximum of only 4 teams in
any one heat for an 8-lane track. There is no baton used in this race.
When the gun goes off, the #1 runner starts out for each team and when he or she crosses the finish line at the other end of the
track, the #2 runner can start, this time running in the opposite direction. Hurdle shuttle relays are wild events and often you will
see hurdlers going in opposite directions on the track at the same time.
4 x 100 Meter Relay
High School/Middle School/Elementary
How it works
Four sprinters, in the same designated lane, each run 100m to complete a lap of the track. During their individual legs they have
to carry a baton that must be passed to the next runner within a 20m changeover box that’s situated 10m before and 10m after the
start of each subsequent leg. The outgoing runner usually runs at full speed with an arm stretched out behind in order to receive
the baton. Failure to adhere to the baton-changing rules results in a team’s disqualification. Slick handovers can compensate for a
lack of basic speed – but dropping the baton is a regular occurrence.
The first team across the finish line, baton in hand, wins.
4 x 200 Meter Relay
High School
How it works
Four sprinters, in the same designated lane, each run 200m to complete a lap of the track. During their individual legs they have
to carry a baton that must be passed to the next runner within a 20m changeover box that’s situated 10m before and 10m after the
start of each subsequent leg. The outgoing runner usually runs at full speed with an arm stretched out behind in order to receive
the baton. Failure to adhere to the baton-changing rules results in a team’s disqualification. Slick handovers can compensate for a
lack of basic speed – but dropping the baton is a regular occurrence.
The first team across the finish line, baton in hand, wins.
4 x 400 Meter Relay
High School
How it works
Four athletes each complete one 400m lap. The first lap is run in designated lanes, as is the second - until the beginning of the
back straight. Thereafter runners usually battle to hold the inside line. Each runner must carry a baton during his or her leg and
hand it to the subsequent runner within the changeover zone, which is sited 10m either side of what will be finish line.
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4 x 800 Meter Relay
High School
How it works
Four athletes each complete one 800m lap. The first lap is run in designated lanes, as is the second - until the beginning of the
back straight. Thereafter runners usually battle to hold the inside line. Each runner must carry a baton during his or her leg and
hand it to the subsequent runner within the changeover zone, which is sited 10m either side of what will be finish line.
Swedish Relay (aka Sprint Medley Relay)
High School
How it works
The “Swedish Relay” is 1000 meters in length (two and a half laps), comprising 4 legs in order of 100m, 200m, 300m, &
400m. It is also called the medley relay and mostly used in youth competitions.
One-turn stagger
You start with blocks at the regular 200m start line. The first leg goes 100m to the 4x100m relay exchange, where the 2nd runner
goes 200m and breaks for the pole, and runs until the 1500m start line. There, the 3rd leg runs the traditional 300m (straight,
curve, straight) followed by the 400m anchor leg.
With the 400 meters being the last leg, anything goes.
Distance Medley Relay
High School
How it works
The “distance medley relay” is made up of a 1200 meter leg (three laps on a standard 400 meter track), a 400 meter leg (one lap),
an 800 meter leg (two laps), and a 1600 meter leg (four laps) in that order. The total distance run is 4000 meters, or nearly 2.5
miles.
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
100 Meter Dash “Eubanks 100”
High School/Middle School/Elementary
110/100 Meter Hurdles
High School
400 Meters
High School
800 Meters
High School
1600 Meters
High School/Middle School/Elementary
3200 Meters
High School
Field Events
High School
Open 1600m
High School
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ELEMENTARY, JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL, SCHOOL
ELIGIBILITY AND COMPETITION RULES — 2016 (Submit Entry online at Athletic.net)
1. Rules of Competition: The rules of competition for junior high schools, middle schools,
parochial schools, and elementary schools for this meet shall be the 2015 Official MHSAA
Track and Field and Cross County Rules Book, except where the longtime practices, special
facilities, and special written rules of the Houseman Field may require otherwise. All junior
high, middle and elementary school competitors must compete for their school district and be
cleared for competition by the school principal. Relay teams must consist of runners from
the same school district. Competition in the Elementary and Middle School Divisions of the
Relay is under the guide rules of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
2. Age Limit: Middle school and elementary student-athletes must be age appropriate to grade
level.
3. Team Membership: No athlete may participate with two different affiliations in the meet.
4. Track and Field Surfaces: at Houseman Field the track is a synthetic surface of 3/8″
thickness.
5. Spikes: Junior High Schools, Middle Schools and Parochial Schools may wear spikes if they
are allowed by their group. Shoes will be checked by the clerks. Spikes may be worn for the
Elementary and Middle School Races.
6. Checkpoints: Relay zone checkpoints may be marked with standard Biodegradable Chalk
only! No other items may be used, including trainer’s tape, powder, duct tape, masking tape,
tacks or safety pins.
7. Starting Blocks are permitted in junior high school, middle school, parochial school or
elementary school events.
8. Lane Priority: Turn Races (8 lanes) 4-5-3-6-2-7-1-8.
9. Results will be posted on Athletic.net and www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge as soon as
possible. Results will not be supplied to coaches in the Press Area.
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10. Jury of Appeals will be chaired by Lew Clingman. The Elite Challenge has no official video
aside from the official timing system, and no independent video may be used in protests or
appeals.
ELEMENTARY/JUNIOR/MIDDLE/ SCHOOL EVENTS – BOYS and GIRLS

4x100m Relay.
Middle School/Elementary

100 Meter Dash
Middle School/Elementary

1600 Meter Run
Middle School/Elementary
ELITE CHALLENGE HIGH SCHOOL PROTOCOL
Submit entry on Athletic.net. Note that online entry for High Schools must be concluded by
April 18th. (EDT). You may enter any time until the deadline.
Check payable to Grand Rapids Public Schools. Confirmation of receipt of entry and payment is
best verified on the web-site www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge. Please call the office ONLY
in case of emergencies about whether we have received your entries.
If the check for your entry fee has been delayed, please let us know via e-mail to:
[email protected]. Payment must be received on or by April 18th.
The names you enter on a relay are for the sake of the program. DO NOT LIST MORE THAN
FOUR NAMES. You may run any eligible legitimate student whether listed or not.
As we wish to serve as many High Schools as possible and not reject anyone, we are listing a
few items to guide you on your entries for Girls and Boys:
1. We will accept up to 16 teams (Relays, Open Field Events)
2. We will accept the 16 top qualifiers for each Elite event (Eubanks 100, Elite 400, Elite
800m, Elite 110/100 hurdles, Elite Pole Vault, Elite Discuss, Elite Long Jump, Elite Shot
Put, Elite High Jump) except in the Elite 1600m, Elite 3200m which will be top 20.
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NOTES

Any person designated by the coach to pick up passes (other than those listed on the on-line
entry) must present such authorization written on school letterhead stationery and signed by
both the coach who signed the entry form and by the person picking up the passes.

Anyone caught selling competitors’ or coaches’ passes or turning them over to scalpers is
subject to prosecution. The numbers on your tickets have been recorded and will be matched
against any tickets confiscated. Your team and school will be held accountable.

There are no locker facilities. Teams should come dressed for competition.

All athletes in uniform and coaches should enter through the west gate on Houseman Street.
Busses used for transportation can park on Houseman Street, Heading North or on Diamond
Street Heading South.

There will be a designated area for tents. Check with management upon arrival.

Please note that no doubling is permitted between any individual events (cannot compete in
the Elite and Open section of same event).

The first leg of the 4x100m and 4x400m will be allowed to use blocks.

The areas along the fence will be restricted during competition. Please respect the needs of
the athletes to hear instructions from the starters. There will be designated coaches’ boxes for
all field events. Once your athlete has completed competition, coaches are asked to vacate the
area.

The Track will be open for warm-up prior to the beginning of the running section of the
meet.

A trainer will be on site, located in front of the Team Room on the Southeast side of the
stadium.

Medals awarded to top three places per event. No team score kept.

Results will be posted on the Athletic.net on the Relays web site at www.grps.org/athleticselite-challenge. Please do not ask for results in the press box.

YOUR BIB NUMBERS WILL BE IN YOUR COACHES PACKET.
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
Any person using a participant’s pass should carry school identification or be dressed
in school uniform at all times. Lack of suitable identification is grounds for ejection.

We urge you to bring a duffel bag so your athletes may put their things in it while on the
track. They should give their bag to you or your manager before entering onto the track or
competition areas. There are no bags, food or drink allowed on the infield. No footballs or
Frisbees allowed.

Umpires are stationed at the exchange zones; any unnecessary pushing or contact may be
cause for disqualification. Please alert your lead-off person that cutting in too soon will be
grounds for disqualification. All standard and acceptable relay rules will apply.

The infield is reserved for PARTICIPATING ATHLETES ONLY! No parents, spectators or
non-participants will be allowed on the infield during the meet.

The Elite Challenge has an open facility (stadium) with several restricted areas. However, it
is difficult to manage regarding security. While we do our best to provide a safe, secure
meet, it is helpful if you watch your belongings carefully, never leaving them unattended,
particularly in the stands. GRPS will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
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Grand Rapids Elite Challenge Invitational
Meet Check List
STEPS
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
INFORMATIONAL DETAILS
STEP 6
STEP 7
STEP 8
STEP 9
STEP 10
Calculate meet fees based on entries and prepare payment for submission
CHECK
Review packet and all contents
Review events offered
Decided on athlete entries (teams, individuals or both)
Review all qualifying standards and documentation requirements
Submit online entries on Athletic.net
(If not a MHSAA member school please refer to page 6, number 3.)
Follow and meet all deadlines set forth
Plan all logistics for travel to and from the meet
Review everything before submitting with payment
Wait for email confirmation of receipt (make certain you provide a primary
email address)
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Admissions and Fees
General Admission (spectators)
$5.00 per person
Participants:
Teams
$150.00 per team ($75 if
one gender)
Individuals
$10.00 per individual
Parking (onsite)
Cars/Vans
$5.00
Buses
FREE on street parking
(no onsite parking for buses)
Concessions will be open during the entire event.
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Sponsor List
Grand Rapids Public Schools
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Grand Rapids Public School Board Members
The Grand Rapids Board of Education is comprised of nine dedicated and passionate individuals who are publicly
elected to four year terms. The Board works closely with the Superintendent on policy, budget, legislative,
academic, and operational matters to meet the mission of Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Tony Baker, Ph.D.
President of the Board
Maureen Quinn Slade
Vice President of the Board
John Matias, Min, M.A.
Secretary of the Board
Monica Randles, MD
Treasurer
Dr. José A. Flores
Board Member
Raynard Ross
Board Member
Wendy V. Falb, Ph.D.
Board Member
Pastor Nathaniel Moody
Board Member
David LaGrand
Board Member
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