FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

USTFCCCA Top 25 Rankings

May 16, 2012-- The North Central College men's track & field squad remains fourth in the eighth installment of the NCAA Division III National Team Rankings, released Wednesday by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The Cardinals garnered 144.40 points in the week seven rankings, maintaining its position at No. 4 for the eighth consecutive poll. McMurry University (Texas) continues to occupy the top spot with 249.05 points followed by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (150.90 points) and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (150.70 points). The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire climbs one spot to fifth (142.07 points) while College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin nemesis Augustana College drops one position to 11th with 74.12 points.

The computer rankings were first introduced during the 2011 season. Mathematical formulae based on current national descending-order lists in all events are used to compile a team's ranking. The purpose of the rankings is to create an index that showcases the teams that have the best potential of achieving the top spots at the NCAA Division III National Championships.

North Central hosted the Dr. Keeler Invitational on Friday and Saturday with several athletes improving their standing on the Division III performance list. Cardinal athletes swept the top four spots in the pole vault, including Frank Wleklinski clearing a personal best height of 16 feet, 1 1/4 inches, while Zach Heerspink cleared a personal best 6' 10 1/4" to win the high jump. On the track, John Crain won the 5,000-meter run, finishing the 12 1/2-lap race in 14 minutes, 24.15 seconds.

The Cardinals host the Gregory Invitational on Friday and Saturday, the team's final meet before the NCAA Division III National Championships.