Contact: Tyler Bremner, Sports Information Graduate Assistant

Results

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Mar. 15, 2025) – Braden Nicholson led the way for the North Central College men's track and field team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Indoor Championships, earning the program's second national victory in the indoor 3000-meter run.

Leading the NCAA DIII Indoor Championship for the Cardinals was First-Team All-American, Nicholson in the 3000-meter run, where he nearly repeated his No. 19 all-time national time (8:07.30) with a victory in 8:07.39. Reflecting on his finish, Nicholson said, "Being supported by teammates and multiple other teams is such a great feeling when you put it all together and see the work pay off." He also explained how he felt during the turn that put him in first, "I've practiced that move many times now, in practice, in races, and at conference. So when I made it, and knew that nobody went with, I knew I was going to take it. It felt good to see that something I predicted and practiced months out actually happened.". Nicholson also marked his name in program history next to the only other indoor 3,000-meter run victory, 2014's John Crain finish of 8:10.40, "he's a program legend, and he was a guy that worked hard in, out, and struggled for many years to win. I had a similar feeling where I've never won, coming close at times, and it's a great feeling to make it. But in reality what matters most is the journey and the process along the way."

Earlier in day two for the Cardinals was Colton Oleson in the high jump, where he took home a final Second-Team All-American 11th place mark of 2.05 meters (6 feet, 8.75 inches). He battled through three attempts on the final two heights to lift himself to his first indoor Second-Team All-American slot. Reflecting on the embattled attempts Oleson had this to day, "the big thing for me was just keeping the fun in it. Sports are meant to be fun. I just made sure to keep the fun in it and not put pressure on myself.". Oleson also explained that after earning experience in last season's outdoor championship, "It was a lot less stress coming into this meet compared to outdoors because this time, I was ranked a lot higher, and I had a better understanding of what the meet was. It definitely made it a lot less stressful and really exciting.".

The Cardinals had two competitors in the triple jumps between Jayden Leise and James Ammenhauser. Leise led the way with the team's best mark of 14.50m (47' 7") for 11th place to take a spot on the All-American Second-Team. "I'm pretty happy with it. I came in optimistic and some guys came in and did what they had to do in that first flight. I wish I could be one of them, but I'm still happy with everything."

Ammenhauser fell narrowly outside the All-American field with a 17th place measure of 14.28m (46' 10.25"). Entering national competition for the first time he explained, "It feels good! I've battled injuries all season, but I kept working and building. I can't be mad about my performance. We made it here, that's what matters and we've got a lot more in the tank.".

Also competing for the Cardinals was Connor Riss on the first day of competition in the 5000-meter run, taking home a finish of 15:33.41.

North Central now prepares for the first meet of the outdoor season at the Washington University Distance Carnival in St. Louis, Missouri. Access the full schedule HERE.

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