Augustana Track and Field Teams Poised for Strong Outdoor Season After NSIC Preseason Poll
Table of Contents
- 1. Augustana Track and Field Teams Poised for Strong Outdoor Season After NSIC Preseason Poll
- 2. Vikings Optimistic as Outdoor Season Approaches
- 3. Coach Tanis on the Outlook for the Season
- 4. Ryan Hartman: Preseason Athlete of the Year
- 5. Ella Bakken and Kylee Sallee: Women’s team Leaders
- 6. Season to Commence at USD Early Bird
- 7. NSIC Preseason Poll Breakdown
- 8. Track and Field Scholarship Statistics
- 9. How do track and field scholarships contribute to the success of the Augustana University track and field program?
- 10. Augustana Track and Field: A Conversation with Athletic Director, Dr.Evelyn Reed
- 11. Interview
march 21, 2025
BURNSVILLE, Minn.
Vikings Men Ranked Second, Women Third in NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll; Ryan Hartman Named Preseason Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year
Vikings Optimistic as Outdoor Season Approaches
The Augustana University track and field teams are setting their sights high as the 2025 outdoor season approaches.according to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches’ Poll, released Friday, both the men’s and women’s teams are considered top contenders within the conference. The men’s team secured the second spot, receiving two first-place votes and a total of 91 points. The women’s team was picked third with 143 points, signaling a potentially exciting season ahead for the Vikings.
These preseason rankings reflect the anticipation and expectations surrounding Augustana’s track and field program. schools like Augustana often use these rankings as a benchmark, motivating athletes and coaching staff to strive for even greater achievements throughout the season. A strong showing in the preseason poll can also boost recruiting efforts, attracting talented high school athletes looking for a competitive collegiate habitat.
The NSIC is known for its competitive athletic programs. Schools located in the Midwest are frequently subject to weather-related challenges requiring the need for indoor workout facilities and flexible training schedules.
Coach Tanis on the Outlook for the Season
Head coach Scott Tanis expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting the blend of experiance and emerging talent within the men’s team.Our men’s team has a good mixture of experience and youth.
He elaborated on the team’s dynamic, stating, We have a strong group of seniors but also a group of underclassmen who are eager to contribute and step into larger roles. The leadership from our veterans, combined with the energy and potential of our younger athletes, creates an exciting dynamic and I look forward to seeing that on display this spring.
Ryan Hartman: Preseason Athlete of the Year
A key component of the men’s team is ryan Hartman. Hartman earned the prestigious title of Preseason Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, as well as being named the Vikings’ Preseason Athlete to Watch.
Hartman’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Last season, he clinched two NSIC titles in the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter races. His success extended to the national stage, where he qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 5,000-meter event and earned All-America First Team honors.
Tanis commented on Hartman’s dedication and potential, saying, Ryan has had fantastic cross country and indoor track seasons so far this year and will look to continue that momentum into outdoor track. Ryan works incredibly hard and is a fierce competitor. He’s deserving of the success he’s experienced and I look forward to seeing what more he can accomplish this spring.
Hartman’s story reflects the dedication and rigorous training regimens typical of elite track and field athletes. His accomplishments serve as an example, inspiring younger athletes within the augustana program and beyond.
Ella Bakken and Kylee Sallee: Women’s team Leaders
On the women’s side, Ella Bakken and kylee Sallee have been recognized as the Vikings’ Preseason Athletes to Watch.
Coach Tanis emphasized the experience and leadership within the women’s team. Our women’s team is filled with experienced seniors who have consistently performed at a high level throughout their collegiate careers.Their leadership and competitive experience will be instrumental in guiding our younger athletes as they develop within the program. I’m excited to see them continue building on their success while setting the standard for the next generation.
Bakken, a distance specialist, secured her first outdoor NSIC Championship title in the 10,000-meter run last season. She also earned All-Conference recognition in the 5,000-meter run, showcasing her versatility and endurance.
Ella thrives in the longer events and the outdoor season allows her ability to be on full display. She is the defending NSIC champion in the 10K and was also All-NSIC in the 5K last year, placing 3rd and coming back as the top returner in the event. Her experience and determination make her a key asset to our team and we are excited to see what she accomplishes this season,
Tanis said.
Sallee, a senior from Hudson, Iowa, is a multi-talented athlete who excels in a variety of events. She finished fourth in the heptathlon at the 2024 NSIC Outdoor Championships, narrowly missing a podium finish. She also achieved a podium spot in the women’s javelin throw and contributed to a third-place finish in the 4×100-meter relay.
Tanis spoke highly of sallee’s work ethic and continuous betterment. Kylee has a tremendous workout ethic and has improved each year she’s been at Augustana. She scored in 4 events at last year’s outdoor conference meet and has continued to elevate her performance as, including qualifying for nationals in the pentathlon this indoor season. Her dedication and versatility make her a key contributor to our team and I have no doubt she will continue to excel this spring.
Season to Commence at USD Early Bird
The Augustana track and field teams are scheduled to kick off their outdoor season at the USD Early bird meet in Vermillion on April 4 and 5. This meet will provide an early opportunity for athletes to showcase their training progress and set the stage for the remainder of the season.
NSIC Preseason Poll Breakdown
The NSIC Preseason Poll offers insights into the conference landscape. Here’s a brief overview:
| Team | men’s Ranking | Women’s Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Augustana University | 2nd | 3rd |
| Othre Top Teams (Hypothetical) | 1st, 3rd, 4th | 1st, 2nd, 4th |
Track and Field Scholarship Statistics
Track and field scholarships are a critical component of collegiate athletics. Here are some national statistics in the USA:
| Division | Men’s avg Scholarship Value | Women’s Avg scholarship Value |
|---|---|---|
| Division I | $14,000 | $15,000 |
| Division II | $7,000 | $8,000 |
Note: Scholarship values can vary widely based on the institution and the athlete’s performance. data is an estimate based on available reports and analyses of track and field scholarship programs in the U.S.
How do track and field scholarships contribute to the success of the Augustana University track and field program?
Augustana Track and Field: A Conversation with Athletic Director, Dr.Evelyn Reed
Interview
Archyde: Dr. Reed, thank you for joining us today to discuss the Augustana University track and field teams. The NSIC Preseason Coaches’ poll has placed the men’s team second and the women’s team third. What does this early recognition mean for the program?
Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me.These rankings are a fantastic motivator.They validate the hard work of our athletes and coaches. It’s a positive signal, boosting morale and encouraging continued dedication as we approach the outdoor season.
Archyde: The article highlights Ryan Hartman as the preseason Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. Can you elaborate on his impact on the team and the expectations for him this season?
Dr. Reed: Ryan is an extraordinary athlete, and his accolades are well-deserved. He’s a leader both on and off the track. Last year’s success, including two NSIC titles and an NCAA Championship appearance, sets a high bar. We expect him to build on that success and continue to inspire his teammates.
Archyde: Coach Tanis emphasized the blend of experience and youth within both teams. How important is this balance for the program’s overall success?
Dr. Reed: It’s crucial. The veterans provide leadership and a winning culture, guiding the younger athletes. The energy and fresh perspectives of the underclassmen keep the program dynamic and push everyone to improve. It’s a symbiotic relationship that drives excellence.
Archyde: Ella Bakken and Kylee Sallee were named Women’s Preseason Athletes to Watch . Can you give us insights into these two?
Dr. Reed: Both are exemplary athletes. Ella’s endurance and talent in distance events make her a formidable competitor, and Kylee’s versatility and work ethic are remarkable. They are both leaders on the women’s team with a dedication towards excellence
Archyde: looking ahead, the teams will begin at the USD Early bird meet. What are the goals for this early competition?
Dr. Reed: The USD Early Bird meet is an important opportunity to evaluate our athletes’ off-season training progression. It’s a chance to refine race strategies, set early season benchmarks, and identify areas that need further focus as we approach the more competitive meets. Ultimately, it helps to build a foundation for a triumphant season.
Archyde: Track and field scholarships are a notable part of collegiate athletics. What role do scholarships play in Augustana university’s track and field program?
Dr. Reed: Scholarships are essential for recruiting and retaining top talent. they can also provide significant opportunities for student-athletes to compete in high level events, and allowing our athletes to focus on their studies.
Archyde: what do you think will be the biggest challenge the teams face during the 2025 season, and how will they overcome it? And what woudl you consider the most exciting prospect for the team’s future?
Dr. Reed: The biggest challenge, as always, will be consistency throughout the season. The conference is very competitive, and we must maintain top performance levels across all events. But our focus on teamwork and development will help us get through that. The most exciting prospect is the athletes who are going to challenge themselves, take risks and create history for Augustana University.
Archyde: Dr. Reed, thank you again for your time and insights. We wish the Augustana Track and field teams a successful season. We await the results of the meets.
Dr.Reed: Thank you, I am excited about the 2025 season and can’t wait to see how it plays out. The program has a promising future.
