Mounties Continue to Rise in Indoor Track and Field Ratings
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, February 24th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from Eastern Oregon University) The U.S. Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released the week five Rating Index of the 2023 season on Wednesday. Eastern Oregon University made an appearance on both the women’s and men’s side. Both squads ranked first in the West Region once again and continue to rise nationally. The women moved into the top-20 at No. 19 and the men moved up nine spots to No. 31 in the nation.
Eastern Oregon’s Indoor Track and Field team has steadily improved throughout the year on what was already a strong start. As the indoor season winds down, EOU only added to their list of qualifiers hosting one last meet at the EOU Field House last weekend.
So far, the lady Mounties have totaled an impressive 10 automatic qualifications along with an extra four “B” standard marks. Of note last weekend was Maggie Ledbetter’s massive performance setting two facility records and posting two “A” standards in the women’s shot put and weight throw. Ledbetter was named the CCC Field Athlete of the Week for the fourth time this year.
On the men’s side the Mounties have strung together a strong year as well. The men have posted seven automatic qualifications and five “B” standards. This last weekend was a big one as the Mounties had a total of six qualifying marks between both “A” and “B” standards. The meet was highlighted by a dominant performance in the 1,000-meter race where both Hunter Nichols and Jonathan Wind earned “A” standards.
Eastern will now shift their sights to the national stage for the NAIA Indoor National Championships. The meet will be held in Brookings, South Dakota from March 2 through March 4.
