2021-22 NSIC Women's Indoor Track & Field Preseason Coaches' Poll

12/2/2021 1:00:00 PM

Minnesota State claims top spot in NSIC Women's Indoor Preseason Coaches' Poll

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Fresh off its fourth NSIC Indoor Championship last year, Minnesota State was picked to win the NSIC in the preseason women's indoor track & field coaches' poll. The Mavericks received 12 first place votes and tallied 194 points, ranking them ahead of Augustana, which was second with 181 points and two first place votes. The University of Mary was third with 172 points and the other first place vote.

Minnesota State's Denisha Cartwright (track) and University of Mary's D'Andra Morris (field) were voted by the coaches as the preseason athletes of the year. Cartwright was named NSIC Track Athlete of the Year and the NSIC Newcomer of the Year for the 2021 indoor season and went on to earned All-American honors in the 60m, 200m, 60m hurdles and 4x400 relay. Morris won the NSIC triple jump last winter and went on to a national runner up finish at the NCAA Championships.

The 2021-22 NSIC Indoor Track & Field season gets underway this weekend with the regular season culminating on Friday-Saturday, February 25-26 at the NSIC Championship held at Myers Fieldhouse in Mankato, Minnesota, hosted by Minnesota State University, Mankato.

2021-22_NSIC_Preseason_Poll_Graphic_WIDTF

2021_22_NSIC_WIDTF_PAOY_Track_MSU_Cartwright_InfoGraphic

Denisha Cartwright (Sprints/Hurdles, So., Nassau, Bahamas / Pennfoster HS) - Minnesota State University, Mankato

Was named the NSIC Track Athlete of the Year and the NSIC Newcomer of the Year for the 2021 indoor season
Claimed All-NSIC honors in three events including the 60m (2nd, 7.52), 200m (1st, 24.47) and 60m hurdles (1st, 8.41)
Earned All-American honors in the 60m (6th, 7.57), 200m (7th, 24.67), 60m hurdles (2nd, 8.50) and 4x400 relay (3rd, 3:47.55)

Denisha proved to be one of the best all-around sprinters in NCAA Division II last season capturing eight All American honors during the indoor and outdoor seasons. Denisha accounted for 56.5 NSIC points between indoor and outdoor and 25.5 NCAA points between indoor and outdoor. She returns stronger this season and poised to be one of the best sprinters in Division II.

Head Coach Mike Turgeon

2021_22_NSIC_WIDTF_PAOY_Field_UMary_Morris_InfoGraphic

D’Andra Morris (Jumps, Sr., Kingston, Jamaica / Camperdown HS) - University of Mary

2021 NCAA runner-up both indoors and outdoors in the triple jump
Four-time NCAA All-American in the triple jump
Three-time NSIC Indoor triple jump champion
Two-time NSIC indoor high jump champion
2x NSIC Field Athlete of the Year (2021 outdoors, 2021 indoors)
7x NSIC champion and 11x all-conference performer

D'Andra has been a force in this conference for many years. Last year she was the conference champion in the triple jump both seasons and scored in all three jumping events each season. D'Andra had a stellar season nationally being the NCAA runner-up in the triple jump for both indoor and outdoor. D'Andra brings a strong demeanor to our team when it's time to compete. Her level of performance brings out the best in the rest of our field events.

Head Coach Cale Korbelik

NSIC TEAM PREVIEWS & ATHLETES TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

Last season, the Vikings had their highest finish at the national meet, placing 12th overall. The distance medley relay of Patty Jo English, Nicolette Schmidt, Sydney Mudgett and Cami Streff earned first team All-America, along with Elizabeth Schaefer (Pentathlon), Mearah Miedema (High Jump), Patty Jo English (Mile), and Nicolette Schmidt (Mile). Meagan Schenk rounded out the Vikings All-America honors making the second team. The women have added 14 newcomers to the 2021-22 roster paired with 31 returners from last year’s roster. Augustana placed second at the NSIC Indoor Championships scoring 155 points. Six of the returners won at least one event at the NSIC Indoor Championships last year.

We are excited to watch the women's indoor track team in action because of their versatility and balance in both performance and leadership. This team will have the opportunity to score points in a wide variety of events with a good balance in our strengths. Further, we see standout athletes at every grade level. We expect to see points from our seasoned veterans as well as some of our newcomers as we move into the indoor track season. With such a hard working and talented group, this team is a viable contender at the conference championships.

Head Coach Tracy Hellman

Megan Means (3,000/5,000, Jr. Norfolk, Neb. / Norfolk HS)

Won the 5,000m (17:24.81) and got second place in the 3,000m (10:03.94) at the NSIC Indoor Championships
Earned USTFCCCA All-Central Region honors in the 3,000m and 5,000m

Megan shows an incredible ability to persevere over the long haul. She is an athlete who cannot be overlooked because of her continued dedication and improvement which have led her to incredible success for the Vikings and almost suredly more to come. She was Augustana's top finisher in the 2021 Cross Country Championships earning first team All-American Honors. Her ability to continue to steadily improve makes her an athlete to pay close attention to in the upcoming season as she looks to defend her conference title in the indoor 5k.

Head Coach Tracy Hellman

Mearah Miedema (High Jump, Sr., Sioux falls, S.D. / Washington HS)

Earned First Team All-America, Placing fourth at the NCAA Division II Championships in the high jump
Won the high jump at the NSIC Indoor Championships
Automatic qualifier in the high jump with her jump of 5-9.25 at the Jim Emmerich Invite on Jan. 23

Mearah is an embodiment of excellence. She is an athlete who strives for excellence in every aspect of her training and competition. She not only achieved Conference Champion and First Team All-American honors in the High Jump, but she was named the School's Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the year because of her dedication in the weightroom. Mearah has the aptitude to see how the whole process of training can develop her as an athlete and takes advantage of periodized training so that she can be performing at her best at the right times.

Head Coach Tracy Hellman

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

Bemidji State Indoor Track & Field comes off its best season since 2008 after taking sixth at the 2021 NSIC Indoor Championships. The Beavers return eight point-scoring athletes from the conference meet, including senior mid-distance runner Ryne Prigge in the 800m run, junior thrower Tierra Doss in the shot put, three of four legs of the 4x400m relay, the distance medley relay and BSU’s Track Athlete to Watch, senior mid-distance runner Maryse Mbenoun. Mbenoun won the NSIC 600m run title with a BSU record time of 1:35.37 to become the program’s first individual indoor champion since 2011. BSU’s Field Athlete to Watch, senior Aneesa Tucker, competed in the pentathlon twice during the 2020-21 season with a season-best mark of 2,789. She previously set a personal record of 3,108 in the pentathlon at the 2020 NSIC Indoor Championships. Tucker was also a part of the point-scoring 4x400m relay team at the conference meet.

Head Coach Kevin Kean, entering his seventh season leading Bemidji State, helped the team earn 13 2020-21 Winter NSIC All-Academic Team selections, including seven on the All-Academic Team of Excellence. The program saw four records broken last season, including marks set by Mbenoun in the 600m run, Prigge in the 800m and 1,000m runs, and senior jumper Analise Fabre in the triple jump.

Lead by our sprints squad this year, we aim to be well balanced throughout all distances from 60m up to the Mile and look forward to our strong support from our field events athletes. Each event group has elder leadership matched with youthful counterparts. We are specifically committed to our depth throughout the whole team and are excited to run as a pack and show up deep in events like a true team. Bemidji State will have major players at the conference level and we are preparing for the battle.

Head Coach Kevin Kean

Maryse Mbenoun (400m/600m.4x4 Relay, Jr. Le Mans, France / Cloud County Community College)

Won the 600m run title at the 2021 NSIC Indoor Championships
Ran a BSU record time of 1:35.37
Became BSU’s first individual champion since 2011
Part of point-scoring 4x400m relay team

Maryse is an incredibly diligiant worker for our team. On a regular basis we stop whatever we are doing at practice and just watch her perform. Her smooth running style matched with an absolutely intense training perspective is her recipe for success and I just can't wait to see her potential unfold for us this season.

Head Coach Kevin Kean

Aneesa Tucker (Pentathlon, Sr., Ashland, Wis. / Ashland HS)

Holds personal record of 3,108 in the pentathlon
Competed in pentathlon twice last season with a season-best score of 2,789
Part of the point-scoring 4x400m relay team

Aneesa has been a bright spot our team for many years and developed so much throughout her experience with the multi- events. Practice after practice we can see the connections being made from one event to other as she navigates the commonalities of her various jumping and running events in the pentathlon. Tough runner is an understatement given she prepares for the 800m like an exclamation point on a full day of competition!

Head Coach Kevin Kean

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

The Golden Bear women's track team finished in 19th place at the 2021 NCAA Division II Indoor Track Championships and they look to improve upon that mark. The women's team also broke four school records in 2021 in the high jump, 200 meter dash, 3000 meter run, and 5000 meter run. Seniors Toni Canfall, CSP's previous female athlete of the year, and Arica Robinson look to continue to break school records in the coming season. The Golden Bears also added 12 new freshmen, six of whom will compete for the cross country program as well.

This team is well balanced with returning experienced athletes looking to close out their careers on a high note, other upperclassmen ready to take on bigger roles, and some youthfully inexperienced athletes who don't shy away from a challenge.

Head Coach Sam Johnson

Toni Canfall (Sprints, Sr., St. Petersburg, Fla. / Boca Ciega HS) - Concordia University, St. Paul

Named the CSP Female Athlete of the Year
Named to the USTFCCCA All-America First Team in both the indoor 60m and 200m
Named to the USTFCCCA All-Region Team in both the indoor and outdoor season
Selected to compete at both the NCAA DII Indoor and Outdoor Championships
Was the conference champion in the indoor 60m with a time of 7.52
Set a new CSP record in the indoor 200m with a time of 25.54

Toni returns in her 5th year to start a graduate program and exhaust her competition eligibility. She has long been a factor at the NSIC championships and with multiple NCAA championship appearances and All-American finishes, Toni has the experience and talent to contend for an NCAA individual title.

Head Coach Sam Johnson

Arika Robinson (High Jump/Pentathlon, Jr., St. Paul, Minn. / Concordia Academy)

Broke school record in 2021 in the high jump with a 5' 7.75" mark
Placed 10th at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships with a 1.68m mark
Won the high jump at the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic in 2021 after clearing 1.72m

Arika has had a rollercoaster of a career thus far bookended by the highs of multiple All-American accomplishments and the lows that come with multiple surgeries that have limited her opportunities to compete. Coming back this fall, she is fully healthy for the first time in a long time and has looked better than ever. She is poised to take her impact to another level this year.

Head Coach Sam Johnson

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

One of the premier programs in the country and owners of nine Northern Sun indoor team championships in 15 seasons, the University of Mary bounced back from a 3rd place finish indoors last winter to claim a 10th outdoor NSIC title last spring. The Marauders look to carry that momentum from outdoors into the 2021-22 indoor season.

All-Americans D’Andra Morris and Elizabeth Acheson will lead the Marauders efforts this winter. A two-time NSIC Field Athlete of the Year selection (2020 indoors, 2021 outdoors), Morris was the NCAA triple jump runner-up both indoors and outdoors last year. The senior from Kingston, Jamaica, and four-time All-American is a three-time triple jump champion indoors. Morris has also won the high jump twice indoors. Overall she is a 7-time NSIC champion and an 11-time all-conference scholar-athlete who also received CoSIDA Academic All-American honors in 2021.

Acheson, the NSIC Track Athlete to Watch for the Marauders, is a 2-time All-American and a 3-time qualifier for the NCAA championships. The junior from Northfield, Minn., is the reigning 800 meter conference champion both indoors and outdoors. She finished 4th at the NCAA indoor championships and finished 5th outdoors. Acheson also won the 600 meter run at the 2020 NSIC indoor championships as a freshman and is a 3-time conference champion.

A deep group of distance runners coming off a 10th place finish at the NCAA cross country championships are led by All-Americans Taylor Hestekin and Alyssa Becker and all-conference runners Starlynn Costa, Lacey Feist and Taryn Ceglowski. Courtney Dembrowski won the 600 meter dash as a freshman. All-conference performers Cali Modglin and Arianna Passeri lead a strong group of jumpers.

The UMary indoor track & field season begins at home on December 11 when the team hosts the Marauders Indoor Opener.

The Women's Track and Field program has a great mix of veteran returners and talented newcomers. What excites me the most is our depth across all the events. Our team didn't reach their full potential last indoor season but is looking to bounce back as they did during the outdoor season. We are full of talent and hope to take the momentum of last season along with cross-country finish into this indoor season.

Head Coach Cale Korbelik

Elizabeth Acheson (800m/400m/4x400m Relay, Jr., Northfield, Minn. / Northfield HS)

2x NCAA All-American in 2021 in the 800 meter run (4th indoors, 5th outdoors)
2021 NSIC indoor champion in the 800
2020 NSIC indoor champion in the 600 meter run
2021 NSIC outdoor champion in the 800

Elizabeth is coming off a tremendous 2021 season-winning conference in the 800m both indoor and outdoor. Along with conference success, Elizabeth finished indoor and outdoor as an All-American in the 800m. Elizabeth embodies our mission of Greatness through Virtue with her character and work ethic. She rises to the occasion when it matters most at the conference and national level.

Head Coach Cale Korbelik

D’Andra Morris (Jumps, Sr., Kingston, Jamaica / Camperdown HS)

2021 NCAA runner-up both indoors and outdoors in the triple jump
Four-time NCAA All-American in the triple jump
Three-time NSIC Indoor triple jump champion
Two-time NSIC indoor high jump champion
2x NSIC Field Athlete of the Year (2021 outdoors, 2021 indoors)
7x NSIC champion and 11x all-conference performer

D'Andra has been a force in this conference for many years. Last year she was the conference champion in the triple jump both seasons and scored in all three jumping events each season. D'Andra had a stellar season nationally being the NCAA Runner-up in the triple jump for both indoor and outdoor. D'Andra brings a strong demeanor to our team when it's time to compete. Her level of performance brings out the best in the rest of our field events.

Head Coach Cale Korbelik

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

Coming off a positive sixth place finish out of 15 schools at the 2021 NSIC Outdoor Championships, the Bulldogs will look to build off their recent success. Recently named Head Coach Karly Brautigam adds a crop of 14 newcomers to an already talented Bulldog squad. Key returners Haleigh Reindl and Jacqi Rae will certainly be called upon this season. Last season, Reindl tallied the third best 800m time in program history, with a time of 2:08.77.” Additionally, Reindl also helping the 4x400m team post a new UMD record time of 3:50.51.” Rae anchored the 4x100m team, which would post a time of 48.42”, the ninth best time in school history. With seniors Lindsay Maruska and Madison Biebel graduating and moving on, a new leader will certainly step up this season for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs will open their season on Dec. 11 with a meet with St. Scholastica, before competing in the Minnesota State Invite on Jan. 14, in Mankato, Minnesota.

The Bulldog women have talent in every event group including experienced upperclassmen and talented newcomers. I think we have the opportunity to pull together strong performances at the conference and national level. I'm excited to see how this group comes together as a team and lays a foundation for the future. Our senior leadership is the group we need to rally towards all our goals!

Head Coach Karly Brautigam

Haleigh Reindl (800/Mile/4x400, Jr., Waterford, Wis. / Waterford HS)

Part of the 4x400m relay team that set a school record 3:50.51”
Posted a team of 2:08.77” in the 800m, good enough for third all-time in program history
4:33.66” in the 1500m, which is good enough for sixth all-time at UMD

Haleigh is coming off a great 2021 season highlighted by an All-American performance and personal best in the 800M of 2:08.77. Haleigh has the work ethic, talent, and experiences to compete on our sports biggest stages during the 2021-22 season. Haleigh is a team captain and will be an impact team member in our relays this season as well.

Head Coach Karly Brautigam

Lindsey Root (Long Jump, Fr., St. Charles, Minn. / St. Charles HS)

Led St. Charles High School in letter points with 477 as a senior
12.43 in the 100m, a team high
25.81 in the 200m, another team high for St. Charles

Lindsey is a talented newcomer that has the ability to contend for All-Conference recognition as a first year. Lindsey has the ambition and work ethic to match her goals this year and in the future.

Head Coach Karly Brautigam

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

The Minnesota State women’s track and field team will look to claim its fifth NSIC Indoor Championship, after claiming its fourth last season. In total, 11 of Minnesota State’s 12 student-athletes who qualified for the 2021 NCAA Indoor Championships return this season including Denisha Cartwright, Rose Cramer, Makayla Jackson, Kaylee Jensen, Mackenzie Kuene, Brea Perron, Nyeaee Robins, Ja’Cey Simmons, Katie Taylor, Mariah Williams and Mackenzie Woodard. As a unit, the Mavericks would go on to record a program best second place finish at the NSIC Indoor Championships with 40 points. Taylor won the NCAA Championship in the weight throw and set a school record with a throw of 21.17m (69’5.5”). Perron also claimed All-American honors in the weight throw as she finished fourth. Cartwright, who was named the NSIC Indoor Track Athlete and Newcomer of the Year, earned All-American honors in four events including the 200m (7th), 60m (6th), 60m hurdles (2nd) and 4x400 relay (3rd).

After a second place finish at the NCAA indoor championships, the Mavericks return all members of that team with some key additions for the 2021-2022 season. With solid depth across all the event areas, we look push towards our team goal of NSIC and NCAA champions.

Head Coach Mike Turgeon

Denisha Cartwright (Sprints/Hurdles, So., Nassau, Bahamas / Pennfoster HS)

Was named the NSIC Track Athlete of the Year and the NSIC Newcomer of the Year for the 2021 indoor season
Claimed All-NSIC honors in three events including the 60m (2nd, 7.52), 200m (1st, 24.47) and 60m hurdles (1st, 8.41)
Earned All-American honors in the 60m (6th, 7.57), 200m (7th, 24.67), 60m hurdles (2nd, 8.50) and 4x400 relay (3rd, 3:47.55)

Denisha proved to be one of the best all-around sprinters in NCAA Division II last season capturing eight All American honors during the indoor and outdoor seasons. Denisha accounted for 56.5 NSIC points between indoor and outdoor and 25.5 NCAA points between indoor and outdoor. She returns stronger this season and poised to be one of the best sprinters in Division II.

Head Coach Mike Turgeon

Katie Taylor (Throws, Sr., Hayward, Wis. / Hayward, HS)

Won the NCAA Indoor Championship in the weight throw as she set a school record with a throw of 21.17m (69’5.5”)
Also claimed All-American honors in the shot put event as she finished seventh with a toss of 14.47m (47’5.75”).
Claimed All-NSIC honors in the weight throw with a second place finish
Was a two-time NSIC Track Athlete of the Week

Katie was a force last year in the throws, securing the 2021 NCAA Indoor National Championship in the weight throw. She scored 28 conference points between indoor and outdoor and proved to be one of the best all-around throwers in the NSIC. She looks to defend her National Title in the weight throw in the 2021-2022 season.

Head Coach Mike Turgeon

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

Senior Rachel Schumacher leads an experienced Dragon squad into 2021-22. She has five career All-NSIC honors in the high jump, including two last season. Senior Caitlin Pritchett is also back in the high jump. Senior Sophia Sowada finished fourth in the pentathlon at the NSIC Indoor in 2021 and had an NCAA provisional score earlier in the season at 3,314. Sophomore Payton Lane leads the distance corps into the season while Anna Steadland and Robynn Curry lead the sprinters.

Our women’s team is well balanced, motivated, cohesive and has the ability to score in a number of events at the NSIC Championships. We’re excited for this group of women to have the opportunity to compete together during the 2022 indoor season.

Head Coach Ryan Milner

Payton Lane (Distance, So., Fargo, N.D. / Davies HS)

Finished sixth at NSIC Outdoor in 5,000 meters last spring
Finished sixth at NSIC Indoor in 5K as well
Had two event wins last season
Was Dragons' top runner in cross country during fall season

Payton had a breakthrough season on the track during the 2021 season. She will be leading our distance squad again during 2022 and we're excited to see what she's going to be able to do bringing another year of training and experience to the upcoming indoor campaign.

Head Coach Ryan Milner

Rachel Schumacher (High Jump, Sr., Bismarck, N.D. / Bismarck HS) - Minnesota State University Moorhead

Earned two All-NSIC honors in high jump last season
Finished second at NSIC Indoor at 5-5 3/4
Also was third outdoors
Has five All-NSIC honors in career

Rachel has had such a positive impact our program that we were thrilled when she opted to return for another season and begin working towards her Masters Degree. We'll be looking to her to lead our women's team and individually build on the successes she had during the 2021 season.

Head Coach Ryan Milner

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

The Minot State women’s team looks to make an impact indoors after a very limited number of student-athletes qualified for last winter’s NSIC Championships where the Beavers finished 13th. Despite lacking numbers, Minot State still picked up All-NSIC honors as the Beaver distance medley relay team of Abigail McGee, Ashley Miller, Whitney Hanson, and Linda Perez finished second. Miller, a senior junior-college transfer, will lead the sprinters as she holds the Minot State NCAA Division II-era school record indoors in the 300 meter (42.70), while sophomore Tori Nygard, who competed in just the weight throw indoors as a freshman, will look to expand her role and impact for the Beavers. Minot State also will have a strong distance team indoors led by sophomore Caitlin Cornell who was top 10 in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters at last winter’s NSIC Indoor Championships. The Beavers open the indoor season sending a small group of student-athletes to Michigan this weekend for the Grand Valley State Holiday Open, then the full Minot State team begins the season at the Marauders Indoor Opener hosted by the University of Mary on Dec. 11.

This is a young women's team eager to prove themselves in a tough conference like the NSIC. Although we lost some veteran leadership, I am excited for this years team to continue to grow together and get out and compete with the best. They have been working hard all Fall to prepare for the upcoming season and I know that we will see the fruits of their labor with fast times and high marks in 2022.

Head Coach Mark Del Monaco

Ashley Miller (Sprints, Sr., Monroe, Iowa / Prairie City-Monroe HS / Indian Hills CC)

Earned All-NSIC honors as a member of the Beavers 2nd-place distance medley relay team
Holds the Minot State NCAA Division II-era school record in the 300 meters of 42.70 seconds
No. 5 in Minot State NCAA Division II-era in the 200 meters (27.28) and 6th in 60 meters (8.30)
Twice named to NJCAA All-Academic Team at Indian Hills Community College

I am really excited to see Ashley compete this upcoming indoor season. She was a key piece to our women's distance medley that hit the NCAA provo mark and broke our all time school record at the NSIC Championships last season. Now returning for her senior year, I know that she has high expectations for herself and I have no doubt that she will exceed those expectations.

Head Coach Mark Del Monaco

Tori Nygard (Throws, So., Wolf Point, Mont. / Wolf Point HS)

No. 4 in Minot State NCAA Division II-era in the weight throw with a mark of 49 feet, 2.5 inches
No. 3 in Minot State NCAA Division II-era in the hammer throw outdoors (149-2) and 4th in the javelin outdoors (118-5)
Montana high-school state qualifier in the discus and javelin
Three-sport athlete in high school who played basketball and volleyball, as well

Tori has done a great job getting stronger in the weight room and developing her technique in the ring. She definitely has acquired some new skills and sharpened some from last year. It will be exciting to see all of her hard work come together this season.

Head Coach Mark Del Monaco

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Northern State women’s track & field team looks to build off last season’s fifth place team finishes at both the NSIC Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Last season marked the top indoor team finish since 2005-06 and was the best outdoor finish since 2016. The top returner for Northern in 2021 and their NSIC Athlete to Watch for field events is Tava Berg, who earned All-American honors in the NCAA Indoor Championship meet. NSU’s Athlete to Watch for track events is Shanice Burrell, who earned all-conference honors at the NSIC Indoor Championship. Another key athlete to watch for the Wolves is senior Kealy Hill, who has won back-to-back NSIC Outdoor Championships in the pole vault and did not finish outside of the top-10 in all meets last season. Under the direction of third year head coach Lynne Dingman, the Wolves open the indoor season on December 3rd at the SDSU Holiday Invite.

We have an amazing group of veteran returners this year. We also add a dynamic group of freshmen women to the team. The ladies have worked hard this off-season and are excited to kick off the season.

Head Coach Lynne Dingman

Shanice Burrell (60m Hurdles, Sr., Buff Bay, Jamaica / Buff Bay HS) - Northern State University

Earned 2021 All-Conference honors at the NSIC Indoor Championships with a third place finish of 8.74 in the 60m hurdles
Broke the school record in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.94 for a fourth place finish at the NSIC Outdoor Championships
A member of the 4x100 relay team that broke the school record with a time of 47.25
Tallied six event wins over the course of last year’s indoor and outdoor seasons

Shanice enters her final year of competition for the Wolves. Shanice had an amazing season last year. She was ranked 11th in the indoor 60H and top 15th in the outdoor 100H. She is bound and determined to solidify her spot at the National meet this upcoming year. We are excited to see what she can do this year.

Head Coach Lynne Dingman

Tava Berg (High Jump, Sr., Watertown, S.D. / Watertown HS)

Qualified for both the 2021 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships, earning All-American honors with a fifth place finish of 1.71m (5-07.25) at the indoor meet
Runner-up at the 2021 NSIC Outdoor Championships with a jump of 1.68m (5-06)
Holds school records in the indoor high jump with a personal best of 1.75m (5-08.75), and the outdoor high jump with a finish of 1.73m (5-08)
Tallied three event wins in last year’s indoor and outdoor seasons

Tava will enter into her final season for the Wolves. Tava is a returning All-American for Northern in the High Jump. She has the bar set high this year and has been working hard all pre-season. Tava is an amazing student-athlete and excels in both the classroom and on the track. We are excited to see how high she can jump this year.

Head Coach Lynne Dingman

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

The USF Women’s Track and Field Team will strive to better its 12th place finish of a year ago when the Cougars scored 20 points and had an NSIC title performance from Emma Hertz in the shot put. USF, which will be led by NSIC Field Athlete to Watch in Emma Hertz and middle distance and Track Athlete to Watch Morgan Gehl, has a strong record of standout efforts at the NSIC Meet. In 2019-20, USF was 8th; sixth in 2018-19; sixth in 2017-18; 10th in 2016-17; eighth in 2015-16; eighth in 2014-15; and eighth in 2013-14. Hertz, a four-time all-American in the throws, is one of the team’s leaders with 35 top-10 finishes and 19 titles with 10 second place finishes in either the shot put or discus and hammer throw indoor and outdoor during a stellar career. Gehl, who was All-NSIC in 2021, will lead a middle-distance group that includes Khot Juac, Karlee Simmons, Tianna Voight and Annika Aho. USF will also have strength in the field events, led by sophomore Natalie Meyers, who nearly placed in the long jump a year ago. In the sprints, KaNya Henderson, who was all-American two years ago, will lead the away in the 60 and 200 meters. Emily Swanson will lead multi-event performers and strength in the field events while USF has several solid performers in the throws aside from Hertz.

We have a great group of athletes that will be placing in the Championships and we look to improve on our placing from last years NSIC championships.

Head Coach Doug Petersen

Morgan Gehl (Distance, Fr., Fulda, Min. / Fulda HS)

Placed 22nd and earned All-NSIC honors in cross country at the NSIC Championships in 2021-22
Had four top-10 finishes in cross country this past fall
Led USF to a sixth place team finish at the NSIC Cross Country Championships this past fall
Was a state of Minnesota cross country champ and a multiple top five place finisher in track and field in Minnesota

Morgan had a stellar HS career at Fulda HS that included PRs of 4:58 in the 1600m and 10:58 in the 3200m. She led the cross country team this fall being the top USF runner at each of their competitions.

Head Coach Doug Petersen

Emma Hertz (Throws, Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / O’Gorman HS) - University of Sioux Falls

Has earned four DII All-American honors, including two at the 2021 Indoor Championships
Finishing seventh in the weight throw and eight in the shot put at the 2021 Indoor Championships
Recorded 35 top-10 finishes and 19 titles with 10 second place finishes in either the shot put or discus and hammer throw indoor and outdoor
Won the NSIC indoor title in the shot put in 2021 with seven top-five finishes and five-top three results at indoor/outdoor NSIC Championships
Indoor in 2020-21, had 13 top-eight finishes, six titles and 10- top three finishes in the throws
Qualified for nationals indoor or outdoors five times

Emma is entering her last year of competition at USF and has the honor of earning multiple first and second team All-American Honors in the throwing events both indoors and outdoors. Last indoor season she was first team All-American in both the shot put and the weight throw. She has also won multiple NSIC titles in the throwing events. Her latest was winning the NSIC Indoor shot put title. Emma is at the USF school record holder in the indoor and outdoor shot put, weight throw, discus, and hammer throw.

Head Coach Doug Petersen

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Southwest Minnesota State women’s indoor track & field team, under the direction of third-year head coach Kirk Nauman, enters the 2021-22 indoor season looking to improve off a 14th place finish that saw three school records broken at the NSIC Indoor Championships. They look to do so with a mix of veteran leadership and a large youth movement.

Junior Isatu Shirek is one of the top returners after a sophomore season in which she placed seventh in the 60 hurdles at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships with a 9.03 time which was also a PR.

Senior Caitlyn Regan also returns after capping off a solid first indoor season with the Mustangs with a school record time of 2:18.45 in the 800 meters to finish in ninth place at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships.

Sophomore Taytum Klink looks to build off a rookie season and compete in her first NSIC Championships after competing in three meets, including a ninth place finish in the long jump at the SDSU Last Chance with a PR of 4.98.

This will be my first year (hopefully) of getting a full indoor and outdoor season as head coach at SMSU. We have knocked off a lot of records and grown the program exponentially. I am looking forward to see what we do next!

Head Coach Kirk Nauman

Isatu Shirek (Hurdles, So., Thompson, N.D. / Thompson HS)

Placed seventh in the 60 hurdles at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships with a PR of 9.03
Placed first in both the 200 and 60 hurdles at the CSB/SJU Tri Meet with a 27.58 and 9.24 times
Finished first in the 60 hurdles at the Cobber COVID Indoor duals with a 9.20 time and second in the 400 with a 1:03.47 time
Finished 15th in the 60 hurdles with a 9.33 time at the SDSU Last Chance

Isatu returns after knocking off all of SMSU's hurdle records indoors and outdoors. On a short indoor season, Isatu knocked off the 60m hurdles. The hope is for Isatu to help the Mustangs in the hurdles and the relays.

Head Coach Kirk Nauman

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

Heading into the 2021-22 indoor track & field season, St. Cloud State looks to improve on its seventh-place finish at the 2021 NSIC Indoor Championships. The Huskies return six of their nine scorers from the 2021 Indoor Meet, including 2021 NCAA All-American Emelia Burris, who finished runner-up in the long jump (5.70m / 18-8.5) and eighth in the 60m dash (7.71). Burris would go on the finish sixth in the long at the 2021 NCAA Indoor Championships, posting a mark of 5.81m (19-0.75). The Huskies will have a dynamic pair of multi-eventers at its disposal, as returning 2021 Indoor Pentathlon silver medalist Faith Lubner will be joined by Minnesota transfer Hannah Arason. Lubner has posted four top-eight finishes at NSIC meets in her career, including a second-place finish in the 2021 indoor pentathlon with 3,427 points. Arason scored at both Big Ten meets in 2021, finishing seventh in the pentathlon at the 2021 Indoor Championships (3,549 points) and fifth in the heptathlon at the 2021 Outdoor Championships (5,303 points).

I am excited about the talent and experience we have on the roster this season. Between the returners and the incoming group I think there are a number of athletes that can push to qualify for the NCAA Meet and place high at the Conference Championships. With as good as the NSIC is, qualities like that can make all the difference in having success or not.

Head Coach Sam Kettenhofen

Faith Lubner (60m Hurdles/Long Jump, Sr., Reedsville, Wis. / Reedsville HS)

Has recorded four top-8 finishes in multi-events (pentathlon indoor / heptathlon outdoor) at NSIC meets (2nd 2021 Indoor, 3rd 2019 Outdoor, 3rd 2019 Indoor, 7th 2018 Outdoor)
Returning runner-up in the pentathlon at the 2021 NSIC Indoor Championships, posting a score of 3,427 points
Set a collegiate best in the pentathlon at the Ted Nelson Multis, finished first with a score of 3,471
Has produced collegiate bests of 8.76 in the 60m hurdles, 5.79m (19-0) in the long jump and 8.99m (29-6) in the shot put

We are thrilled Faith is back for another season. She has been excellent in her career so far and is looking to achieve some even bigger things this year. As a hurdler, she has developed really well and is constantly working to improve. She is a joy to coach and always comes ready to work. Very much looking forward to seeing what she can do this season!

Head Coach Sam Kettenhofen

Hannah Arason (Multi/High Jump/Long Jump/Hurdles, Sr., Grand Forks, N.D. / Red River HS)

Transfer from the University of Minnesota
Finished 5th in Heptathlon at 2021 Big Ten Outdoor Championships (5,303 points), a mark which also was a personal-best
Finished 7th in the Pentathlon at the 2021 Big Ten Indoor Championships (3,569 points)
Has produced collegiate bests of 1.75m (5-8.75) in the high jump, 5.60m (18-4.5) in the long jump and 11.54m (37-10.5) in the shot put

Hannah has been a wonderful addition to the program. She brings a ton of great experience and tremendous ability. She has shown a very strong work ethic and a lot dedication to her training while balancing her rigorous academic work load. It has been an impressive fall for her and I am very excited to she what she accomplishes in competition!

Head Coach Sam Kettenhofen

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

The Peacock women’s indoor track and field team is anxious to get back on the track for the indoor season. UIU has a load of new talent on the roster after placing 15th at the NSIC Indoor Championships last year in Mankato, Minn. Upper Iowa will need to replace All-NSIC performer Cassiddy Wilson, who secured her place on the All-NSIC team when she finished third in the 600-meter race to score six points for the Peacocks thanks to a time of 1:36.77. This season’s squad will be led by newcomer Magaret Nielsen and returner Zakaria Fuller. Upper Iowa will start their 2021-22 season on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Frigid Bee Invite hosted by St. Ambrose University.

We are very young on the women's side this season. Lost some great senior leadership last year and are looking to rebuild with this freshman class. It will be fun to watch these women improve as the track season progresses.

Head Coach Nate Rucker

Zakaria Fuller (400m, So., Rowlett, Texas / Rowlett HS)

Competed in three events during the indoor season last year in the 200m, 300m, 400m and 4x400m relay
Posted a top time of 28.41 seconds in the 200m and 1:05.33 in the 400m at the Hilltop Dual

We are looking for a strong sophomore campaign from Zakaria. She has shown improvement this fall and looking to get the season started. Should be exciting to watch her growth from freshman to sophomore year.

Head Coach Nate Rucker

Margaret Nielsen (Multis, Jr., Dike, Iowa / Dike-New Hartford HS)

Placed 13th at the NJCAA Indoor Championships in the Pentathlon with 2186 points
Placed 3rd at the NJCAA Region XI Championships in the 800m with a time of 2:58.56

Margaret is coming to us from Hawkeye Community College. She is a great addition to our young women's team, bringing two years of college experience with her. She is going to bring us depth for our open events and really look to push things in Multi events both indoor and outdoor this season.

Head Coach Nate Rucker

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

The Wayne State women’s indoor track and field team looks to improve on last year’s 10th place finish at the NSIC Indoor Championships. Graduate student Mckenzie Scheil, a two-time NSIC weight throw champion and reigning NCAA runner up in the event, headlines a short list of returning point scorers for the Wildcats. Scheil is a three-time All-NSIC performer in the weight throw and set a new school record in the event last season to win for a second straight season. Jadin Wagner also returns as a top thrower for the ‘Cats after placing sixth in the event last season. Sophomore hurdler Megan Hansen earned a medal last year as a true freshman in the 60-meter hurdles taking eighth. 11 true freshmen will look to give the Wildcats more opportunities at scoring points in the NSIC Championships.

We have several returning veteran athletes returning, who will set the tone for the rest of the team. I am optimistic that we can improve on our team place from last year, but we will have to pick up some extra points to help us make that jump in the standings.

Head Coach Marlon Brink

Megan Hansen (60m Hurdles, So., South Sioux City, Neb. / South Sioux City HS)

Placed 8th in 60 meter hurdles at 2021 NSIC Championships
Placed first at two meets in 60 hurdles as a freshman

Megan had a very good freshman year last year. I think now that she knows what the level of competition is like in the NSIC, she will be even more motivated this year to perform well. She has been working hard this fall and excited to have a great sophomore year.

Head Coach Marlon Brink

McKenzie Scheil (Throws, Gr., Fairmont, Neb. / Fillmore Central HS)

Two-time NSIC champion in weight throw
NCAA national runner up in weight throw in 2021
Set new school record in weight throw at NSIC Championships 67’ 9 ¾”
2021 NSIC Women’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Year
2021 USTFCCCA Central Region Women’s Field Athlete of the Year

"McKenzie had a great year last year, earning NCAA All-American runner-up honors in the weight throw. She is motivated to earn more All-American honors and make a run at an individual national championship, which I believe is within reach for her. It should be an exciting year for her!"

Head Coach Marlon Brink

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Winona State University women’s track and field team is excited to embark on the 2021-22 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field season with an eye on peaking as a team at the 2021-22 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) indoor championships to be held on Feb. 25-26.

Winona State scored 57 points to take fourth at the 2021 NSIC Indoor Championships last season, a team performance that featured several top-10 finishes in the meet. The Warriors return several key athletes from last year’s team and the squad will look to defend it’s 2021 4X400 relay championship, which was earned with a time of 3:51.00. Among several returners poised for a great season are Michaela Pryor who set new Winona State records in the 200 meter and 60 meter dashes, with times of 24.71 and 7.62, respectively and Brooklyn Schyvinck, who won the women's 400 meter dash with a time of 57.02. Shereen Vallabouy, Maddie Pietz, and Kendall Zeman are also back to assist WSU in their relay efforts, and Ashlie Lockington and Kaylee Olson both figure to factor in the WSU jumps lineup.

For Winona State, the two NSIC Athletes to Watch in track and field are Lindsay Cunningham (Distance, So., Wisconsin Dells, Wis. / Wisconsin Dell HS) and Madison Rizner (Jumps, Jr., Richland Center, Wis. / Richland Center HS and both are excited to build on their past success under head coach Mason Rebarchek and assistant Evan Perkins.

We are returning most of our key individuals from last year's team and we've had a great fall training season. The team is excited for the season and committed to all the things they need to be to work toward greater success this year.

Head Coach Mason Rebarchek

Lindsay Cunningham (Distance, So., Wisconsin Dells, Wis. / Wisconsin Dells HS)

Finished 7th in 2021 fall NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships
During cross country, earned medalist honors in six races, including the Roy Griak Invitational
In peak form heading into indoor track season, will factor among the NSIC elite in the distance ranks
Won the mile race at the 2021 Craig Hougen Tri-meet on Jan. 23 2021 with time of 5:18.50
Earned runner-up honors at the President Davenport Classic on Feb. 20, 2021 with a time of 5:11.55

Lindsay is all the things you want in an athlete. She's got a great attitude. She's a great teammate. She works hard. She's humble in her success. She appreciates those who work to help her get better. Now she's having the success that you expect and hope will come to someone like that. She was the NSIC Cross Country Champion this fall, placed 7th at the NCAA Championships and we look forward to seeing how that translates to Track & Field season this winter.

Head Coach Mason Rebarchek

Madison Rizner (Jumps, Sr., Richland Center, Wis. / Richland Center HS)

Two sport athlete who was key in the 2021 WSU Volleyball NCAA Division II tournament qualification
Achieved a 11.49m (37’8.5”) mark in the triple jump at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships last February
In the high jump, reached 1.68m (5’6”) at the Mark Schuck Dual Meet on Jan. 20, 2021
Rizner’s jump at the Mark Schuck Dual tied the WSU high jump all-time record in the event
Claimed first place in both the triple jump and high jump at Bemidji State’s Craig Hougen Triangular

Madison has been working hard in the offseason as well as this fall as a starter on our nationally ranked volleyball team. She's coming off of a great track & field season last year where she broke the Winona State Indoor High Jump record. She always shows up with a great attitude, ready to work hard, and is a great teammate day in and day out.

Head Coach Mason Rebarchek

#NSICIDTF