LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Wesleyan track and field program is heading to the national stage. Four Prairie Wolves have earned their spots at the 2025 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships, set to take place next weekend (March 14-15) in Rochester, New York. Noah Smith (60-meter hurdles), Sam Clements (shot put), Eric Lenz (weight throw), and Emmilly Berglund (shot put) will represent Nebraska Wesleyan as individual qualifiers.
MEET THE QUALIFIERS
Noah Smith – 60-Meter Hurdles
Noah Smith secured his spot in the 60-meter hurdles with a season-best time of 8.07 seconds, ranking him 15th in the nation. The junior has been a consistent performer all season, earning multiple top-three finishes in the event. Smith's time is just 0.11 seconds off the school record, and he'll look to challenge for All-American honors in Rochester.
Samuel Clements – Shot Put
Sam Clements punched his ticket to the NCAA Championships with a career-best throw of 16.59 meters (54'5.25"), which ranks 17th nationally. The freshman has been a dominant force in the shot put this season, winning the event at four meets this year and setting a new NWU freshman record in the process. Clements will aim to cap off his indoor season with a strong performance on the national stage.
Eric Lenz – Weight Throw
Eric Lenz qualified for the weight throw with a season-best mark of 18.48 meters (60'7.75"), ranking him 20th in the nation. The senior has been a consistent performer in the event, earning multiple top-five finishes throughout the season. Lenz's ability to deliver under pressure will be key as he looks to compete for All-American honors in Rochester.
Emmilly Berglund – Shot Put
Emmilly Berglund will represent the Prairie Wolves in the women's shot put after posting a season-best throw of 14.25 meters (46'9"), which ranks fourth nationally. The sophomore has been a standout for Nebraska Wesleyan all season, finishing runner-up the shot put at the American Rivers Conference Indoor Championships and setting a new personal best in the process. Berglund will look to close out her indoor career with a strong showing at the national meet.
UP NEXT
The NCAA Indoor Championships will take place March 14-15 at the Nazareth University Golisano Training Center in Rochester, New York. The Prairie Wolves will look to make their mark against the nation's best, with all four qualifiers aiming for All-American honors and podium finishes.
