LINCOLN, Neb. – With the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships on the horizon, Nebraska Wesleyan University track and field program secured nine United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors, the organization announced Wednesday.
To earn All-Region distinction, athletes must rank in their region's top-five in an individual event or be part of a top-three relay team.
Leading the women's contingent, sophomore Emmilly Berglund earned recognition in the shot put after posting a season-best 14.13m (46'4.25") mark at the Doane Outdoor Invitational, ranking fourth in the Midwest Region and eighth nationally.
Senior Aliah Clarke makes her first All-Region appearance in javelin with a 41.83m (137'3") throw that ranks fifth regionally and fourteenth in Division III rankings.
On the men's side, freshman Sam Clements continues his dominant campaign in shot put. His 16.88m (55'4.75") effort at the Augie Twilight Final Qualifier sits fourth in the region and has him positioned as a dark horse contender at nationals.
Graduate student Avery Decker looks to become the first NWU javelin national champion, as her 47.50m (155'10") mark ranks first in the Midwest Region and first in the nation.
Freshman Drake Ferris caps his first collegiate season with his first All-Region nod in discus, throwing 50.10m (164'4") to rank fourth regionally.
Senior Anna Lundahl earns her first All-Region honor in discus. Her season-best 46.98m (154'1") mark at the Central Nebraska Challenge ranks fourth in the region.
Senior Eli Mackowski continues his incredible career in high jump, clearing 2.10m (6'10.75") to rank firth in the Midwest Region and fourth nationally.
Sophomore Kaelyn Means adds her first career All-Region honor in discus with a 46.09m (151'2") mark that ranks fifth regionally.
Rounding out the honorees, junior Colin Wojtkiewicz earned recognition in hammer throw after his 59.22m (194'3") effort at the Prairie Wolf Invitational ranks third in the Midwest Region and 17th nationally.
Berglund, Clarke, Clements, Decker, Lundahl, Mackowski, Means and Wojtkiewicz have qualified for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Geneva, Ohio this weekend.
The NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin Thursday, May 22 and conclude Saturday, May 24 at the SPIRE Institute.
