The Northern Sun Conference has released the 2020-21 NSIC Preseason Men's Indoor Track and Field Coaches' Poll and Upper Iowa has been picked 12th. The nine-time defending NSIC Champions of Minnesota State University, Mankato were picked to win the NSIC in the preseason men's indoor track & field coaches' poll. The Mavericks received 10 first place votes and tallied 120 points, ranking them ahead of Augustana, which was second with 112 points and the other two place votes.

Upper Iowa's men's indoor track and field team is anxious to get onto the track this indoor season for year number two. Last year, the men scored two points in their first season back on campus at the 2020 NSIC Indoor Track and Field Championships thanks to a seventh-place finish in the long jump.

"As coaches, we are looking forward to seeing the continued growth and maturation of our young men's program," said Head Coach Nate Rucker. "We're excited to get our second season going. It should make for a fun and memorable season."

Jaylen Hobson, one of UIU's NSIC Athletes to Watch, nearly scored points as well after an 11th place finish in the long jump.

"We're excited to see Jaylen continue his growth as a student-athlete," said Rucker. "The strides that he had made not only on the track but as a leader on our team, should have a positive impact on our young program."

Kaden Ludwig, the second Peacock named as a NSIC Athlete to Watch, placed 16th at the 200-meter race and was part of the 4x400-meter relay that placed 10th at the NSIC Championships.

"Kaden is one of our most consistent returners," said Rucker. "He will lead a young group of sprinters this season. His positive attitude and work ethic sets a good example for our young men's team."

In addition to Hobson and Ludwig, the Peacocks return quite a few with experience in the Northern Sun including Macklin Conrad, Grant Dieken, Iberius Jenkins, Collin Kime, Brady Krupa, Devon Lawrence, Andrew Paskey, David Snider, and Samuel Thomas.

Rucker, who is entering his ninth season at UIU, continues to build the schedule in advance of the NSIC Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships, which are scheduled for February 26-27 at the NSIC Championship held at Myers Fieldhouse in Mankato, Minnesota, hosted by Minnesota State University, Mankato.