Alina Duran of Stevens Institute competes in the womens weight throw during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College in Naperville.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Collegiate track athletes from across the nation invaded downtown Naperville during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track Championships, bringing with them their bright running shoes, matching team warm-ups and a desire to win.
The combination of about 470 athletes participating in 15 events over two days and 2,000 cheering fans created an intense environment for the meet, held March 8 and 9 at North Central College’s Al B. Carius Track.
North Central Sports Information Director Clark Teuscher described the vibe at the Residence Hall/Recreation Center that houses the track as “a pretty spirited atmosphere.”
Track stars competing in running, throwing and jumping events said there’s nothing like the feel of a championship event, with its big stage, high stakes and call for team togetherness.
Hosting it all were the North Central Cardinals — both indoor team members competing over the weekend and outdoor team members about to begin their season. The Cardinals men’s team entered the meet ranked fourth and finished in eighth, behind several Wisconsin colleges that dominated the event.
Check out these images from the weekend as indoor track athletes sprint, jump, throw and celebrate while Division III schools competed for the championship.
North Central hosts indoor track championships
Intense atmosphere builds at NCAA indoor track finals
Runners head toward the finish in the preliminary heat of the mile run March 8 in Naperville during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Trophies are waiting to be earned at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College in Naperville.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
North Central Colleges Josh Winder congratulates Brockports Zach Ferrara, who won the pole vault event, during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College in Naperville. Winder was the previous national champion pole vaulter.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
The mens heptathlon high jump winner at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships was Eric Larson of Central College.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Milers work on completing a lap during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College in Naperville.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
North Central Colleges Josh Winder holds the bar as he pole vaults March 8 during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships in Naperville. Winder, a former national champion pole vaulter, finished third.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Dominique Torres of Christopher Newport University competes in the triple jump during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships March 9 at North Central College in Naperville.
Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com
Nick Baatz of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh prepares to throw the shot put March 9 during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College.
Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com
Roger Steen of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire lets it fly during the shot put at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships held at North Central College in Naperville.
Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com
Colt Feltes of Wartburg College in Iowa gets ready to toss the shot put during the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College in Naperville.
Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com