ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Nebraska Wesleyan Track & Field wrapped up a stellar weekend at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships, sending four athletes to the national stage and coming away with two First-Team All-American honors. Noah Smith (60m hurdles) and Emmilly Berglund (shot put) highlighted the Prairie Wolves' performances, while Eric Lenz (weight throw) and Sam Clements (shot put) represented NWU with strong showings in their respective events.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Noah Smith delivered a career-best performance in the 60-meter hurdles, advancing to the finals with a personal record of 8.04 seconds in Friday's prelims. The junior placed third in his heat, securing a spot in Saturday's final. In the championship race, Smith clocked 8.05 seconds to finish seventh overall, earning his first career First-Team All-American honor.
Emmilly Berglund made history in the women's shot put, becoming the first Nebraska Wesleyan female thrower to earn First-Team All-American honors at the indoor national meet since 2019. The sophomore launched a throw of 14.22 meters (46' 8") on her second, clinching fourth place and cementing her place among the nation's elite.
Sam Clements competed in the men's shot put, finishing 17th overall with a mark of 15.72 meters (51' 7"). The freshman capped his debut indoor season with a strong performance on the national stage, setting the tone for his first outdoor season.
Eric Lenz rounded out the Prairie Wolves' contingent in the men's weight throw. The senior recorded a throw of 17.58 meters (57' 8.25") to finish 17th overall, narrowly missing All-American status.
NOTES
- Nebraska Wesleyan has now produced at least one All-American in each of the last nine indoor national meets.
- Smith's 8.04 in the prelims ranks as the second-fastest 60m hurdles time in program history.
HEAD COACH DERRICK MCKENZIE
"Getting four to NCAA's and coming away with two first team All-Americans was a huge success for this group," said head coach Derrick McKenzie. "I am proud of Noah and Emmilly for earning their first career All-American awards, and the competitiveness Sam and Eric displayed. I am very thankful as always to be surrounded by the best athletes to coach, top tier assistants to work with, and the families that make it happen!"
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan opens the outdoor season on March 21 at the University of Saint Mary's Distance Festival in Leavenworth, Kansas.
