BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls Track & Field teams turn their focus to the outdoor season following a strong indoor campaign, with momentum building across both squads. In the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Cougar men were selected sixth while the women were picked seventh heading into the spring slate.

Minnesota State University, Mankato was tabbed as the preseason favorite on both the men's and women's sides as the conference prepares for another competitive outdoor season culminating in May.

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Men Carry Momentum into Outdoor Season

The Cougar men enter the outdoor season after showing clear progression throughout the winter, highlighted by strong individual performances and key scoring contributions at the conference level. A youthful roster continues to develop, with several underclassmen stepping into prominent roles after impactful indoor seasons.

"Our men's team had a great indoor season," said Head Coach Eric Chilson. "We capitalized in some areas at the NSIC Indoor Championships and worked ourselves into a 5th place finish. The Coo are carrying a lot of energy and excitement into the outdoor season. It's a young team that will rely heavily on underclassmen to perform."

That emerging group, combined with growing confidence from indoor success, gives the Cougars a foundation to build on as they transition to the outdoor circuit.

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Women Bring Balance and Experience

On the women's side, the Cougars enter the outdoor season with a well-rounded lineup capable of producing points across a variety of event areas. The combination of experienced upperclassmen and consistent contributors throughout the lineup provides stability as USF looks to climb in a deep NSIC field.

"Our women's team will have a balance across the sprints, middle distance, jumps, and throws to be competitive at the conference level," Chilson said. "We have upperclassman with a lot of experience at NSIC Championship meets. We're excited to make improvements this outdoor season and see what we're capable of."

With proven performers returning and continued development across the roster, the Cougars are positioned to compete throughout the outdoor season.

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Athletes to Watch

Brandon Stark – Sprints | Sophomore | Brainerd, Minn.

Brandon Stark continues to emerge as one of the Cougars' most versatile sprint contributors after a strong indoor season that saw him score in multiple events and play a key role in relay success. He helped power the 4x400 relay to an NSIC runner-up finish and added an individual All-Conference performance in the 600m, placing third at the conference meet.

Throughout the indoor season, Stark consistently produced across distances, highlighted by a 48.49 in the 400m and a 1:19.37 in the 600m. His ability to contribute in open events and relays makes him a key piece of the Cougar lineup heading outdoors.

Head Coach Eric Chilson emphasized Stark's impact, noting, "Brandon is coming off a great indoor season where he was a part of the School Record 4x400 that was the NSIC runner-up. He was also All-Conference indoors in the 600. Brandon's strong leadership and commitment to the process sets the him and his teammates up for a successful outdoor season."

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Jonny Cheney – Multi | Junior | Little Falls, Minn.

Jonny Cheney enters the outdoor season as one of the top combined event athletes in Division II after a breakthrough indoor campaign. He placed second in the heptathlon at the NSIC Championships with a school-record 5,212 points before advancing to the NCAA Division II Championships, where he finished 11th nationally.

Cheney's versatility was on full display throughout the season, with standout performances across multiple disciplines including event wins in the 60m, 1000m, and high jump during conference competition. His continued development across all seven events positions him as a major factor in the decathlon this spring.

"Jonny has had a tremendous indoor season. He has shown consistent growth in the combined events and has established himself as one of the top Combined Event athletes in D2. He set a school record indoor in the Heptathlon and was NSIC Runner-up, earning an appearance at NCAA D2 Nationals," Chilson said.

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Tamia Horton – Sprints | Senior | Maplewood, Minn.

Tamia Horton remains one of the most accomplished sprinters in the NSIC and enters the outdoor season coming off a dominant indoor campaign. Horton captured the NSIC title in the 60m and followed it up with a strong showing at the NCAA Division II Championships, finishing sixth in the nation.

Throughout the season, Horton consistently posted top times, including multiple first-place finishes and a 7.35 winning mark at the NSIC Championships. Her speed and experience make her a central figure in both individual sprint events and relay opportunities for the Cougars.

According to Head Coach Eric Chilson, "Tamia is the returning school record holder in the 100m dash and 4x100, three-time NSIC 100m placer, and two time NCAA D2 National Qualifier. She is coming off a great indoor season where she captured the 60m NSIC title. Her consistence growth and work ethic sets the tone for the Cougar women."

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Peyton Hanson – Pole Vault | Junior | Jackson, Minn.

Peyton Hanson continues to deliver steady results in the pole vault, providing consistent scoring opportunities for the Cougars at the conference level. During the indoor season, she recorded multiple top finishes, including a win at the Maverick Indoor Open with a clearance of 3.80m.

Hanson's ability to perform across meets and maintain consistent heights has made her a reliable contributor, particularly in championship settings where she has scored every season of her career.

"Peyton has been a consistent performer for the Cougars. She has scored at the NSIC Championships in the pole vault every indoor and outdoor season since her freshmen year as well as hitting numerous Provisional Qualifying marks. She brings confidence and consistency that our women will rely on," added Chilson.
 

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Looking Ahead

With a strong indoor foundation and key performers returning across multiple event groups, the Cougars enter the outdoor season with confidence and direction. As the schedule progresses, USF will look to build toward peak performances at the NSIC Championships and position itself for national qualifying opportunities.

Both the men's and women's teams will open the outdoor season at the Wildcat Outdoor Classic in Wayne, Nebraska, scheduled for Friday, March 27 through Saturday, March 28, marking the start of the outdoor campaign.

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