The Ashland University Indoor Track and Field team traveled to Fall Creek Pavillion in Indianapolis, Ind. for the Division II National Championships March 13-15.
18 Eagles, nine women and nine men, were selected to compete at the championship.
One of those 18 Eagles is senior Jacob Pielech. Pielech ran the men’s 400-meter dash and the anchor leg of the men’s 4×400-meter relay.
“I think the thing I’m looking forward to the most going into NCAA’s is just enjoying the moment” said Pielech before heading to Indiana. “I have no doubt that good performances will come… I think it’s very important to take a moment to soak it all in. These are moments that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”
On day one, Pielech placed 14th in the men’s 400-meter dash with a time of 47.78. Then, on day three, he earned his first ever All-American title as a member of the 4th place 4×400-meter relay alongside senior Colin Hunkele, sophomore Brian Turner, and fellow senior Noah Wood. The squad ran a time of 3:09.96.
“The 4×4 relay at Ashland University is a type of culture. We always take great pride in it because it just means more” said Pielech. “[The relay squad] knew that we had to run faster than ever before if we wanted to qualify for nationals… We then went on to run the #2 time in the nation to win a conference 4×4 title. Accomplishing something like this with 3 of my best friends by my side is an unmatched feeling.”
Alongside Pielech on night one, senior Lily Dowdell also placed 14th in the women’s 5,000-meter run with a time of 16:52.86.
On day two of the meet, four Eagles earned All-American status.
Sophomore Molly Winner placed second in the women’s weight throw, throwing 19.93 meters. That throw earned Winner her first ever All-American title.
Teammate sophomore Leslie Pollock placed ninth with a throw of 19.16 meters in the women’s weight throw.
Senior Wyatt Corey continued the success in the men’s heptathlon, placing 7th with 5,351 points. This is his first All-American title.
Fellow senior Caden Morris also earned his first All-American title by jumping 7.27 meters in the men’s long jump, which earned him 8th place.
Senior Brock Janowicz placed 12th in the men’s weight throw, throwing 18.84 meters.
Wrapping up night two was the women’s distance medley relay (DMR) squad of graduate student Hope Sievert, juniors Montana Walker and Jade Avance and senior Lily Dowdell. The relay placed 8th with a time of 11:35.84.
On day three, junior Garret Baker set a new school record in the men’s pole vault, vaulting 5.44 meters. Baker placed third, earning himself his third All-American honor.
The women’s 4×400 relay squad consisting of sophomore Brianna Chenevey, Walker, Avance and senior Mia Gardner placed ninth with a time of 3:42.62.
Fifth-year Aniya Seward placed 15th in the women’s triple jump, jumping 11.95 meters.
Avance broke her own school record in the women’s 800-meter run with a time of 2:06.27. She placed fourth overall, earning her fourth All-American honor. This was Avances fifth time ever running in the 800-meter.
Winner placed sixth in the women’s shot put, throwing 15.21 meters and earning her second All-American title in two days. “These first two All Americans are really exciting and surreal experience… This weekend was so fun being able to compete for my team and use my gifts from God,” said Winner.
Senior D.J. Duncan earned his first All-American title by placing seventh in the men’s 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.98.
Although the Indoor Track and Field season was a successful one, the Eagles turn to the 2025 Outdoor Track and Field season starting at Cedarville on March 28-29.
