University of Southern Indiana Track & Field is sending four individuals to the NCAA II Indoor Championships, two each from both the men’s and women’s side. There were also four Screaming Eagles named All- Midwest Region announced by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Monday afternoon.
Freshman Zach Barton is an NCAA II qualifier in the 60 meters with a season best time of 6.77 seconds, coming at the GVSU Big Meet Invitational on Feb. 14, his USI Track & Field debut. Barton’s 60m time ranked 13th in the nation, third in the region giving him the extra accolade of All-Midwest Region.
Sophomore Titus Winders qualified for both the 5000m and 3000m in the NCAA II Indoor Championships. Winders earned his 5000m qualifier with his season best time at the GVSU Big Meet of 8:08.46, currently sits at ninth in the nation. Winders picked up his NCAA II qualifier in the 3000m at the GVSU Holiday Open with a time of 14:06.19, the first meet of USI’s indoor season and ranked as the 12th fastest in NCAA II. Winders received All-Midwest Region honors for his efforts in the mile (4:07.42 at the Meyo Invitational), 5000m, and 3000m.
Junior Austin Nolan was granted All-Midwest Region status for his performance in the 5000m at the GVSU Big Meet Invitational with a time of 14:19.66.
Junior Jennifer Comastri, like Winders, qualified for both the 5000m and 3000m in the NCAA II Indoor Championships. Comastri picked up her 5000m qualifier in the team’s first meet at the GVSU Holiday Open with a time of 16:31.25. Her 5000m time is ranked fifth in all of the nation. Then, followed it up by earning a qualifier in the 3000m at the GVSU Big Meet Invitational with a time of 9:34.25. Comastri nabbed All-Midwest Region honors in the mile (4:56.88 at the Indianapolis Greyhound Invitational), 5000m and 3000m.
Senior Hope Jones is an NCAA II qualifier in the 5000m after pacing her way to a 16:57.04 finish at the GVSU Big Meet Invitational. Jones’s 5000m time is currently ranked 16th fastest in the nation.
