The University of North Dakota track and field program is embarking on one of the most ambitious stretches of its season, preparing for a grueling slate of four meets across three days in two different states. The whirlwind trip serves as a critical window for the Fighting Hawks to solidify marks and secure berths for the upcoming postseason.
This high-intensity UND track and field schedule is designed to maximize competitive opportunities for athletes chasing qualifying standards. With the NCAA West Prelims on the horizon, the team is splitting its focus between elite competitions in California and Texas, testing their depth against some of the fastest collegiate athletes in the country.
The momentum heading into this stretch is significant. As of April 15, the USTFCCCA rankings placed the UND women at No. 59 nationally—the highest ranking of any team in the Summit League—and No. 11 in the Midwest Region. The men are currently positioned No. 130 in the nation and No. 24 in the Midwest Region. These standings reflect a program that has transitioned from regional contender to a national presence in several key events.
A Three-Day Sprint Across the West
The itinerary begins Thursday with the Pacific Coast Invitational, hosted by Long Beach State. The action kicks off with field events at 10 a.m. CT, followed by track events at 1:15 p.m. This opening meet sets the stage for a weekend of “triple duty,” where athletes will be distributed across three different venues simultaneously.
On Friday and Saturday, the Fighting Hawks will compete at the Beach Invitational in Long Beach, the Bryan Clay Invitational hosted by Azusa Pacific, and the Tom Tellez Alumni Invitational in Houston, Texas. The logistical complexity of the weekend underscores the program’s commitment to getting its top performers into the right races to optimize their qualifying times.
| Meet | Location | Friday Start | Saturday Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Invitational | Long Beach, CA | 10:15 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| Bryan Clay Invitational | Azusa, CA | 9:00 a.m. | 10:20 a.m. |
| Tom Tellez Alumni Invitational | Houston, TX | 12:30 p.m. | 10:30 a.m. |
National Standing and NCAA Qualification
The primary objective of this road trip is the West Qualifying List. Currently, nine members of the women’s team are ranked in the Top 48, a threshold that would grant them bids to the NCAA West Prelims. Among them, Jadyn Keeler is a standout, currently ranked 3rd in the 10,000-meter run. Keeler, who was named the Summit League Peak Performer of the Week on April 7, leads a distance group that has become a national powerhouse.
North Dakota’s women’s 10,000-meter run squad—consisting of Keeler, Shewaye Johnson, Naja Weiler, and Elle Sondag—currently ranks No. 1 in the nation as an event squad. This collective dominance has positioned the women as the second-ranked team in the Summit League.
Other women currently in the Top 48 include Frida Giersdorff (9th in the 3000-meter Steeplechase), Shewaye Johnson (28th in the 10,000-meter), Naja Weiler (33rd in the 10,000-meter), Cailey Moton (34th in the Hammer Throw), and Julia Matthews (43rd in the Hammer Throw). Rounding out the qualifying group are Marta Marksa (45th in the Heptathlon), Eucabeth Kivikangas (48th in the Heptathlon), and Katie Rogers (48th in the 5,000-meter run).
On the men’s side, the steeplechase has emerged as the program’s strongest suit. Louis-Lys Fanucchi holds the 11th spot on the West Qualifying List with a time of 8:42.15, while Henrik Lindstrot follows in 24th with a mark of 8:49.08. Both athletes recorded these standout performances during the Stanford Invitational, placing the men 4th overall in the Summit League.
Building on a Record-Breaking Season
The push for outdoor success follows an indoor season defined by historical breakthroughs. The Fighting Hawks have already established numerous top-10 marks in program history, including five new school records. These benchmarks provide a psychological edge as the team faces elite competition in California and Texas.
Notable school records set this season include Olivia Correale’s mile run (4:47.47), Louis-Lys Fanucchi’s mile run (4:07.75), and Anya Williams’ triple jump (40-0 1/2). The distance specialists have also rewritten the record books, with Frida Giersdorff setting the mark for the 3000-meter Steeplechase (10:06.17) and Jadyn Keeler dominating the 10,000-meter run (31:56.03).
This depth across sprints, distance, and field events has allowed UND to compete more broadly in the USTFCCCA rankings, moving the program away from a reliance on a few star athletes toward a comprehensive team effort.
Looking Ahead
Following the conclusion of the West Coast and Texas swing, the Fighting Hawks will shift their focus back to the Midwest for a pair of local competitions. The team is scheduled to compete in the Gary Wilson Invitational in Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 22, followed by the Al Cassell Classic in Jamestown on Saturday, April 25.
These final meets will serve as the last opportunity for athletes to adjust their marks before the official NCAA qualification deadlines. Supporters can follow real-time updates and official results via the Fighting Hawks official athletics site or through their social media channels at @UNDtrackfieldXC.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the Fighting Hawks’ national ascent in the comments below.
