2023 NAIA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Rating Index – Week 7
NEW ORLEANS – In just a couple of weeks, we will have national champions crowned.
There were no changes to the top-5 teams in Week 7 of the NAIA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field National Rating Index, as released on Wednesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Southeastern (Fla.) is still No. 1, followed by British Columbia at No. 2, Life (Ga.) at No. 3, Dordt (Iowa) at No. 4, and Keiser (Fla.) at No. 5.
Only performances from the current outdoor track and field season have been used in this objective compilation.
NAIA — Men's Outdoor Track & Field
This Week's National Top Five
1
Southeastern (Fla.)
Southeastern (Fla.)
2
British Columbia
British Columbia
3
Life (Ga.)
Life (Ga.)
4
Dordt (Iowa)
Dordt (Iowa)
5
Keiser (Fla.)
Keiser (Fla.)
All TFRI Reports
Despite having only one top-ranked athlete, Southeastern (Fla.) remains at the top. While the Fire did not have a meet this week, they continue to be led by Keishon Franklin’s top-ranked 400-meter time of 46.20. Franklin also owns shares in the Fire’s 4×100 (40.35, fourth) and 4x400m (3:11.26, second) relay teams. Davonte Vanterpool’s second-ranked 110-meter hurdle time of 13.92 is another performance that stands out for the Fire.
One team that did have a meet this past weekend was British Columbia. One performance that stood out for the Thunderbirds at the Portland Twilight meet was the fifth-ranked steeplechase by Aiden Miller (9:13.97), who is not far behind his top-ranked teammate, Dylan Uhrich (8:52.31). Another standout performance came from mid-distance specialist Spencer Hardy in the 1500 meters (3:48.95, fifth). Hardy also owns a share in a fifth-ranked 4x800m relay (7:36.47). Yet another T-Bird performance that stood out was courtesy of John Perrier in the 5000 meters (14:02.26, second).
Another team that looks primed for a big postseason is Life (Ga.) The Running Eagles competed at their Last Chance Meet on their home turf over the weekend. Life (Ga.) felt right at home, led by an amazing top-ranked 4x100m relay time of 39.65. Along with also setting the top-ranked mark in the 4x400m (3:08.51), the Running Eagles were also able to turn in yet another highly-ranked relay – a sixth-ranked effort in the 4x800m relay (7:38.53).
In their second appearance in top-5 this outdoor season, Dordt (Iowa) will be looking to replicate the success they found on the cross country course this past fall. Leading the way for the Defenders at the GPAC Outdoor Championships over the weekend was a steeplechaser named Thaniel Schroeder, who turned in a time of 9:10.72 that is good enough for fourth in the NAIA. Schroeder is ranked right behind his teammate, Peter Shippy (9:08.74, third). The defenders also continue to be led by the top-ranked 800-meter surge by Payton Mauldin (1:49.07).
Keiser (Fla.) appears to be sitting in a good spot going into the postseason and beyond. While the fifth-ranked Seahawks did not have any notable performances from this weekend, they continue to be led by the 1-5 decathlon contingent of Cole Wilson (6,785 points) and Nigel Steenwinkel (6,555). They have also gotten a huge hand from pole vaulter Emil Carlsson (5.05m/16-6¾, second).
Rounding out the top-10 for the seventh week are Marian (Ind.) at No. 6, Indiana Wesleyan at No. 7, The Master’s (Calif.) at No. 8, Indiana Tech at No. 9, and Cumberland (Tenn.) at No. 10.
The 2023 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships will get underway in Marian, Indian,a on May 24, and conclude with champions being crowned on May 26.
