Rami Gharsalli and Paul Evans To Compete At NCAA Division II Indoor Track National Championships

MIDLAND, MICH. The Northwood University men's track and field team will send a pair of student-athletes to the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships. Paul Evans, a junior thrower from Lenox, Michigan, and Rami Gharsalli, a sophomore sprinter from Sousse, Tunisia will represent the Timberwolves in Birmingham, Alabama.

The championships will be held Thursday, March 9th through Saturday, March 11th in Birmingham, Alabama at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Birmingham CrossPlex.

Evans has had a tremendous indoor season in his junior campaign in the weight throw including a toss of 19.30m on February 17th.  The mark was just 4 cm off the school record, and moved Evans to #12 in the country at the time. Evans also placed third at the GVSU Big Meet earlier in February with his throw of 18.12M.

"I couldn't be any more proud of Paul. He's been a true testament that hard work and dedication pays off. This has been a huge goal for us all year and I'm really excited to see him accomplish this goal. We're looking forward to a great opportunity next Thursday of competing with the best in the country and hopefully bringing home some hardware" said Assistant Coach Zac Ball who works primarily with the throwers on the team and has been extremely influencial on the growth and development of Evan's career. 

Rami Gharsalli has wasted little time in emerging as one of Northwood's most decorated track athletes in program history. Since stepping on campus in December of 2016, Gharsalli has earned GLIAC Track Athlete of the Week twice, set a school record in the 60 Meter Hurdles, and won the GLIAC Championship in the 60 Meter Hurdles with his time of 7.93. Gharsalli has three first place finishes on the season, and at one time, held the third best time in the nation for the 60 Meter Hurdles.

Head coach Michael Roberts is pleased with the achievements on the season for Gharsalli, but also has high hopes for the sophomore saying, "I am Very proud of what Rami has contributed to the Track & Field Program this season. He works hard and leads by example. I believe that this is only the beginning for a stellar career as a Timberwolf."

The Men's Weight Throw is scheduled to take place at 4:25 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th, while the Men's 60 Meter Hurdles are scheduled to take place at 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, March 11th.

It's been a tremendous season for the Northwood track and field teams as the program has taken a monumental step forward as a whole. Coach Michael Roberts is pleased to see the hard work and dedication continue to pay off saying, "I am very proud of both men for qualifying for the Indoor National Championship. They have a great opportunity to represent our University at the highest level of Division II athletics.  I am also very proud of my assistant coaches and all the hard work they have put in thus far. It is showing across the board."