The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released the 2019-20 men's indoor track and field preseason coaches' poll, and Upper Iowa is picked to finish 12th in the league in its first season of competition in 16 years.
The eight-time defending NSIC Champions of Minnesota State University, Mankato were slated to win the NSIC in the poll. The Mavericks received 11 first place votes and tallied 121 points. University of Mary was ranked second with 105 points, and Augustana was picked third with 101 points and the other first place vote.
The Peacock are eager to begin their first season of competition since the University suspended all of its cross country, track and tennis programs for men and women following the 2003-04 academic year when the University moved up to the NCAA Division II. Head Coach Nate Rucker brings a roster of 26 young men ready to compete in the Northern Sun Conference including NSIC Athletes to Watch Jaylen Hobson and Brady Krupa.
Jaylen Hobson (Jumps/Sprints, Fr., Dekalb, Ill., Dekalb HS)
- Sixth place finish in the Long Jump at the Illinois State Track and Field Meet
- Set a personal best in the Long Jump with a mark of 23'3/4"
- Earned Illinois All-State honors
Brady Krupa (Hurdles/Jumps, Fr., Willmar, Minn., Willmar Senior HS)
- Member of the 2018 Minnesota State Championship team at Willmar HS
- Set personal bests in 110 Hurdles at 15.8, 300 Hurdles at 41.17 and Long Jump 20'11 1/4''
Upper Iowa's season will consist of five regular season meets and conclude with the NSIC Indoor Championships in mid-March. The Peacocks will begin action at Minnesota State University on Sat., Dec. 7 at the Chuck Peterson Open.
