2008-09: Placed fourth overall in the 5,000-meter run at SVSU’s Collegiate Open with a time of 15:45.26, sixth place at the NCAA Division II Team Challenge and seventh at SVSU’s Holiday Classic…also finished eighth at the GLIAC Outdoor Championship in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 32:04.03 and in the 3,000-meter run at the GVSU Invite…also took third place at the USATF Junior Nationals competition in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 31:36.16.

Prior to SVSU/Personal: Prepped at Ovid-Elsie High School... also played on the basketball, football and swimming teams... captain of his track and field team during his senior campaign... academic all state in cross county in 2007 and all state in 2008... majoring in Political Science... son of Nicholas and Mary Jo Ekel... born 04-01-90.