Axelson and Ziegler qualify for Nationals at UWL NCAA Qualifier

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville track & field teams had 11 Pioneers compete at the UW-La Crosse NCAA Qualifier on Thursday at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Sophomore Lynea Axelson posted a personal-best time of 2:11.89 in the 800-meter run which was good for fifth place but most importantly put herself in position to complete at next week's NCAA Division III National Championships.  Her time of 2:11.89 put her 16^th in the national honors list with the top 20 competing at the National Championships.

Senior Matt Ziegler also ran a personal-best with a time of 47.73 in the 400-meter dash which was good for fourth-place and ninth on the national honors list. Before Thursday's meet Ziegler was in the outside looking in and now has solidified his spot at next week's nationals.

The final Pioneer to record a personal-best performance to put himself in the top-20 was Jacob Dailey. Dailey threw 57.08 meters in the hammer throw for sixth-place at the Qualifier and puts 16^th in the national honors list.

Freshman Emily Kjos threw a personal best 40.98 meters in the javelin putting her 23^rd on the national list. She needs to throw nearly a meter further to crack the top 20.

In the men's javelin, senior Mark Niemann and sophomore Dan Poh finished first and second, respectively. Niemann still ranks 18^th in the country after his performance last month at the UWL Invitational. Poh sits at 21^st and is about 10 centimeters from the top-20 list.

Kjos and Poh will compete on Friday for their final chance to break through the top-20 at the Augustana Last Chance. Niemann and Dailey will also compete at Augustana to make sure they stay in the top-20.