GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The Dickinson State men's and women's track and field teams head to Fargo this weekend for the UND Open, bringing national credentials, recent school records and a growing list of NAIA qualifiers after a strong performance at the U-Mary Winter Classic. 

Dickinson State opens the week ranked No. 5 nationally on the women's side and No. 21 on the men's side in the NAIA indoor ratings. Through the opening weeks of the season, the Blue Hawks have produced multiple NAIA "A" and "B" qualifying marks across the throws, jumps, and middle-distance events. Friday and Saturday's competition at the UND Open gives Dickinson State another chance to build on that momentum as the season progresses toward Frontier Conference competition and the NAIA Indoor Championships. 

Field Events Continue to Anchor Blue Hawks 

Dickinson State's field athletes have continued to lead the way, producing nationally ranked marks and top finishes at the U-Mary Winter Classic. 

Senior Kori Nagel remains among the nation's top throwers. Nagel recorded a winning mark of 19.18 meters in the women's weight throw at the Winter Classic, a performance that ranks near the top nationally and added to her list of NAIA qualifying marks. She also won the women's shot put with a strong performance that continues to place her among the NAIA leaders.  

Senior Dylan Dahlgren has solidified his place on the national stage in the men's throws. Dahlgren captured the men's weight throw title with a mark of 19.17 meters at the Winter Classic, while also placing in the shot put. His throws have kept him among the NAIA's leading performers.  

Senior Adarra Hagelund continued her strong season in the women's high jump, clearing 1.76 meters to set a new indoor school record while positioning herself among the NAIA's best.  

Sophomore Ty Leischner has added a national qualifying mark in the men's high jump, and senior Rebecca Eacker has earned a NAIA "B" standard in the women's weight throw, adding depth to Dickinson State's list of national qualifiers.  

Track Events Produce National-Level Results 

The Blue Hawks also saw strong results on the track at the U-Mary Winter Classic, with performances that have ranked nationally. 

Junior Caleb Sarsland captured the men's mile with a time that ranks among the top marks in the NAIA, while the women's 4x800 relay claimed first place with a track-converted time that currently places among the NAIA's best.  

On the individual side, Quentin Lewis placed well in the men's sprints and hurdles, and several Blue Hawks advanced to finals in the 60 meters and 60 hurdles, gaining valuable experience and national performance recognition.  

Looking Ahead to the UND Open 

With multiple athletes holding NAIA qualifying standards and several ranked near the top of the national lists, Dickinson State enters the UND Open positioned to continue its strong indoor season. Friday and Saturday's meet in Fargo will provide another opportunity for the Blue Hawks to chase improved marks, add to their list of national qualifiers and gain competitive experience as the season moves forward. 

Competition at the UND Open is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Pollard Athletic Center in Fargo, N.D.