The Central Washington University track and field team excelled at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational in Albuquerque, with multiple athletes achieving top NCAA Division II rankings. Coach Jonathan Hill highlighted a strategic split of the squad to expose athletes to diverse competition, which led to record-breaking performances in various events. Notable standout athletes included Ashlyn Nielsen and Elise Hopper, both ranking in the top six nationally for their performances in the women's 200 meters.

By the Numbers
  • Ashlyn Nielsen's 200-meter time of 24.16 seconds ranks fifth in NCAA Division II.
  • Elise Hopper's 200-meter time of 24.18 seconds ranks sixth, with her 400-meter time of 55.19 seconds placing her 11th nationally.
Yes, But

While many athletes performed strongly, some, like David Brown in the 60-meter hurdles, narrowly missed advancing to finals. This shows the competitive nature of the meet, highlighting both achievements and areas needing improvement.

State of Play
  • The team achieved several top national rankings but still has areas to improve upon for upcoming championships.
  • Both men’s and women’s teams are gearing up for the next meet in Seattle, indicating continued competitive momentum.
What's Next

The Wildcats will compete in the UW Invitational and Mile City Meet in Seattle on January 30-31, where they will look to build on their recent successes and further tear into the record books.

Bottom Line

The Wildcats' solid performance demonstrates their potential as they aim for national recognition, setting the stage for upcoming competitions where their commitment and hard work can yield even more impressive results.