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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Seth Simonson
Washburn Athletics

Four Lopers Qualify for NCAA Indoor Championships

Kearney, Neb. – Senior Tiara Schmidt, junior Seth Simonson, sophomore Brayden Sorensen and redshirt freshman Wes Ferguson have qualified for the 2021 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala. Brayden Sorensen

Due to the on-going pandemic the meet, held at the Birmingham CrossPlex, will last three days (March 11-13) with the overall field being reduced by 25 percent (270 to 202 participants). All D2 winter sport championships faced a reduction in qualifiers/teams this year based on the pandemic.

Schmidt (McCook) ranks sixth in the weight throw with a school-record 63-1.50. The national leader is Wayne State junior McKenzie Schnell (67-9.75). Schmidt is a three-time All-American, having placed 11th in the shot at the 2019 NCAA outdoor meet while receiving USTFCCCA All-American honors last indoor season in both the weight throw and shot. The 2020 D2 indoor and outdoor meets were canceled due to COVID. 

Tiara SchmidtSimonson (Hastings H.S.), Sorensen (Kearney H.S.) and Ferguson (Fremont H.S.) are all going to a national meet for the first time. Simonson ranks eighth at 800-meters thanks to a track-converted 1:50.47 with Ferguson 12th (1:50.60). Sorensen is second in the high jump thanks to a school-record 7-0.50. The national leaders in these events are Butare Rugenerwa of West Texas A&M (1:48.17) and Ushan Perera of Texas A&M-Commerce (7-4.50).

If this was a "normal" year Grand Island senior Mackenzie Puckett (13th/triple jump) and Giltner redshirt sophomore Alex Goracke (16th/weight throw) likely would've be qualifiers with Schmidt competing in the shot (16th) as well.

Puckett did join Schmidt, Simonson, Sorensen and Ferguson on the USTFCCCA All-Central Region team. To earn All-Region honors, a student-athlete must be one of the top five individuals in their event in their respective region.

UNK's outdoor season is right around the corner, starting March 26 at Emporia State. 

Lopers Schedule at the NCAA Championships

Thursday (March 11) - women's weight throw at 4 p.m. Wes Ferguson

Friday (March 12) - men's high jump, 11:30 a.m.; men's 800 prelims, 2:55 p.m.

Saturday (March 13) - men's 800 finals, 2:40 p.m.







 
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