Kearney, Neb. – Senior Morgan Benesch used a late kick to earn her first track All-American honor Friday evening at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Ala.

The three-day meet, part of the "Winter Sports Festival", began Friday morning at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

Benesch (Columbus Scotus) ran a 16:39.56 at 5,000 meters to place fifth in a field of 17 and once again break her own school record. Her previous low of 17:06.84 was achieved February 2nd at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational. The converted time of 17:00.91 made her the 17th and last national qualifier.

A two-time cross country All-American, Benesch led after the first 200 meters (39.53) and then broke away with 11 others and stayed with the top group the rest of the way. She was ninth between 400-800 meters and ranked 11th or 12th over the next 3,200 meters.

Benesch then closed with a flurry, moving from 10th to fifth place over the final 800 meters. She joins Marissa Bongers (800) and Michelle Dill (mile & 1,500) as the only Loper women to earn D2 indoor or outdoor All-American honors in a distance race.

Junior Alexis Zeis of Mary (16:23.22) won the national title but was almost caught by senior Kendra Foley of Grand Valley State (16:23.85). Finally, MIAA champ Katherine Sitzes of Southwest Baptist placed 10th (17:08.87); Benesch was the MIAA 5,000 runner up this year.

Earlier in the day, Rushville senior Cole Wellnitz ran in the mile prelims and turned in a 4:19.18. He was in the second of two heats and was in the top five in the early going but ended eighth to place 15th overall.

Western Oregon junior David Ribich (4:05.12) had the fastest prelim time with the last qualifying spot going to teammate Dustin Nading (4:11.92).

UNK junior Emily Everitt (O'Neill) takes part in the women's high jump Saturday at 3:55 p.m.