The University of North Dakota track and field teams are set for a busy schedule, with four meets taking place across three days in two states, according to an April 15 announcement. The competitions begin Thursday at the Pacific Coast Invitational hosted by Long Beach State, followed by events on Friday and Saturday at the Beach Invitational (Long Beach State), Bryan Clay Invitational (Azusa Pacific), and Tom Tellez Alumni Invitational (Houston).
This week is significant as it presents opportunities for both the men’s and women’s teams to improve their regional and national standings. As of April 15, the UND women are ranked No. 11 in the Midwest Region and No. 59 nationally—the highest among Summit League teams—while the men hold No. 24 regionally and No. 130 nationally, placing them second and fourth within their league respectively.
Several athletes have earned recognition for their performances this season. Jadyn Keeler was named Summit League Peak Performer of the Week on April 7 for women’s track. The women’s squad in the 10,000-meter run—including Keeler, Shewaye Johnson, Naja Weiler, and Elle Sondag—is currently ranked first nationwide as an event group.
Seven members of the women’s team are listed among the top-48 qualifiers in their respective events for NCAA West Prelims consideration: Keeler (3rd – 10,000m), Frida Giersdorff (9th – steeplechase), Johnson (28th – 10,000m), Weiler (33rd – 10,000m), Cailey Moton (34th – hammer throw), Julia Matthews (43rd – hammer throw), Katie Rogers (48th – 5,000m). On the men’s side, Louis-Lys Fanucchi ranks eleventh while Henrik Lindstrot sits twenty-fourth in the steeplechase after strong showings at Stanford.
The Fighting Hawks have also achieved several new top-10 indoor marks this season across multiple disciplines—including five school records set by Olivia Correale in mile run; Fanucchi in mile run; Giersdorff in steeplechase; Keeler in the ten-thousand meter; Anya Williams in triple jump—and numerous other high placements throughout various events.
Looking ahead, North Dakota will return home next week to compete locally at Minneapolis’ Gary Wilson Invitational on Wednesday followed by Jamestown’s Al Cassell Classic on Saturday.
