Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney track and field teams placed sixth (men) and seventh (women) at the MIAA Indoor Championships Sunday in Joplin, Mo.

The three-day meet began Friday afternoon and was hosted by Missouri Southern State.

The Loper men tallied 50.50 points to finish sixth among 11 schools. Pittsburg State (121.50) edged Lincoln (119) and MSSU (102) for the team title. On the women's side, UNK (41 points) placed ahead of five schools with PSU (170) running away with the title over Southwest Baptist (99).

On Sunday, UNK had two individual champions in senior distance runners Morgan Benesch (Columbus Scotus) and Cole Wellnitz (Rushville). The Lopers then scored in 11 other events.

Benesch won the 3,000 meter run in 9:54.89, over 10 seconds faster than the runner up. She joins Marissa Bongers as the only Loper women to have won an MIAA indoor individual event.

Wellnitz won a third straight men's mile title by turning in a 4:08.67. He bested MSSU sophomore standout Vincent Kiprop by nearly three seconds to become just the fourth Loper man to have won three individual indoor crowns at the Division II level. His converted time (4:05.54) also places him 13th nationally, likely good enough to qualify him for the NCAA Championships in Alabama. 
He wasn't done, however, running an 8:26.75 to place second in the 3,000 meter run. Kiprop bested Wellnitz this time, turning in an impressive 8:14.734.

Next, O'Neill junior Emily Everitt leaped a season-best 5-7.25 to finish third in the high jump. The effort should punch her ticket to the NCAA's. Also moving up on the national list was Elm Creek sophomore Jacob Bartling in the shot put as he had a career-best toss of 56-0 to finish fourth. The effort ties him with Dan Gushard (1986) for fifth in school history.

Finishing six in their respective events were Texas senior Preston Foley (60 meters/6.94) and Plattsmouth freshman April Graham (800 meters/2:21.52) with Deweese freshman Trace Gordnaier seventh in the high jump (6-5) based on judge's decision.

Finally, Omaha junior Thomas Stopak was seventh in the long jump (22-10.50), Holdrege sophomore Gabby Gracia was eighth in the mile (5:15.21) and the women's 4x4 relay team placed eighth in 4:03.20.

The list of national qualifiers will be released earlier this week.