by Eva Dean Folkert

Junior Nick Hoffman obliterated a 14-year-old Hope track and field record on Saturday.

Running in the mile race at the Mike Lints Alumni Open at Grand Valley State University on Saturday, Hoffman of Holland (Holland HS), pictured right, raced in with an adjusted time of 4:12.57, taking third place.

More importantly, he broke the Hope record by almost three seconds. The old mark of 4:15.10 was set by Ryan TerLouw in 2007. 

Hope Track and Field Records

"Nick is really coming into his own now as a junior," said head coach Kevin Cole. "He's always been a great runner. He certainly is in our conference (MIAA), but hopefully now beyond that. It's going to be fun to watch him race."

Also at the meet, senior Lukas Bruxvoort of Holland (Holland Christian HS) took third place in two events: the long jump (20' 8.5") and triple jump (41'1").

Hope was the only NCAA Division III school at non-scoring Lints Open. Other competitors in men's events raced for NCAA Division I and II teams: Eastern Michigan University, Miami (Ohio) University, Grand Valley State University, and Northwood University.