SEWARD, Neb. — Nebraska Wesleyan University's men's and women's track and field teams continued the 2026 indoor season Saturday with a statement-filled afternoon at the Concordia Classic, producing event titles, national-level marks, and a wave of early-season momentum inside Walz Fieldhouse.
In an unscored meet that emphasized performance over placement, the Prairie Wolves claimed three event victories and totaled 10 top-three finishes, highlighted by a debut that immediately rewrote the program record book.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Reed Emsick wasted no time introducing himself to the Prairie Wolves faithful. Competing in his first race in a Nebraska Wesleyan uniform, Emsick won the men's 800 meters with a blistering time of 1:53.54. After conversion, the mark stands at 1:51.94, ranking fourth in program history and 10th nationally in NCAA Division III this indoor season.
Nebraska Wesleyan controlled the throwing circle on both sides of the competition. Colin Wojtkiewicz captured the men's seeded shot put title with a throw of 16.63 meters, while Ava Larmon won the women's unseeded shot put section at 12.33 meters. Gavin Kelch added a runner-up finish in the men's unseeded shot put with a toss of 14.88 meters, reinforcing the Prairie Wolves' depth in the event group.
The jumps and sprints produced equally notable results. Chloe Mooberry turned in one of the day's most significant breakthroughs, placing fourth in the long jump with a season-best leap of 18 feet, 8 ¾ inches (5.71 meters). The mark was Mooberry's first career jump beyond 18 feet, moves her into third on Nebraska Wesleyan's all-time list, and currently ranks ninth in the NCAA this season.
Rachel Smith continued her strong indoor form by taking second in the finals of the 60-meter hurdles, clocking a 9.06 in a competitive field. Her performance anchored a productive day for the Prairie Wolves in the short hurdles.
The middle-distance events showcased both immediate impact and emerging depth. Coleman Keck secured a bronze finish in the 600 meters with a time of 1:24.29, while Brennan Steenson followed Emsick across the line in the 800, placing third at 1:59.86 to give Nebraska Wesleyan two podium spots in the event.
In the field events, Graham Peterson cleared 4.48 meters to place third in the pole vault, continuing his consistency early in the season. The weight throw also delivered podium results, with Jonathan Lee finishing third in the men's unseeded section at 16.21 meters and Lyndsie Bosquez matching that placement on the women's side with a throw of 16.20 meters.
By the end of the afternoon, the Prairie Wolves had secured three event titles and spread their success across sprints, middle distance, throws, and jumps, a balanced start that bodes well as the indoor season intensifies.
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan now turns its attention to a larger stage. The Prairie Wolves return to action at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational, hosted by the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The two-day meet begins Friday and will provide another opportunity for Nebraska Wesleyan athletes to test themselves against deep, nationally competitive fields.
