The weather outside is frightful, which can only mean that the 2008-2009 indoor track and field season is upon us. Many DII runners have already earned qualifying marks for the Indoor Championships, which will be hosted by the University of Houston in Texas . Runners only have short four months to earn qualifying marks with the meet being run on March 13-14, 2009. There are sure to be new names, faster times, and plenty of excitement in this upcoming season. Readers are encouraged to post constructive and respectful comments.  (An updated list of those who have qualified can be found here.)

At last year’s Indoor Championships, Adams State’s women took home top honors in the team competition. By scoring points in all but one running event, the Grizzlies won their first ever women’s track and field title at the NCAA Division II level. Adams State won with 55 points, followed by St. Augustine with 48 points. Lincoln narrowly took third with 38.33 points over Southern Illinois Edward’s 38 points. In the men’s team competition, St. Augustine’s won the indoor title for the third straight year. St. Augustine’s 68 points bested Abilene Christian’s 49 points, which was good for a solid second place finish. Adams State took third with 39 points over Grand Valley State, which had 37 points.

There were many notable performances on both the men’s and women’s side last year. In the women’s mile, Seattle Pacific duo of Jessica Pixler (4:47.79) and Jane Larson (4:51.00) finished first and second, and both should be back again this year. Abilene Christian’s Winrose Karunde should also be back to defend her 5k title against plenty of challengers including: Colorado Spring’s Shannon Payne, Adams State’s Heather Wood, and Wisconsin Parkside’s Jessica Monson. Adam’s State Indira Spence and Johnson C. Smith’s Shermaine Williams will both be back to battle it out in the 60 meter hurdles. Minnesota State’s senior pole-vaulter, Katelin Rains, will also be back to best her own marks and to defend her title.

On the men’s side, a new champion will be crowned in the 5k since last year’s winner, Queen’s Daniel Kanyaruhuru, has graduated.  Among those to watch are Western’s Iain Donnan, St. Martin’s John Riak, and Harding’s Daniel Kirwa.  Kirwa also will be back to defend his mile title. Lincoln’s Wilbert Walker will be defending his titles in both the triple and long jump. The 800 meter race is shaping up to be interesting since last year’s champion, Adams State’s Nick Lara, has graduated, and three of the top five competitors are returning.

Much like the weather outside, this indoor track season looks to be one of unexpected changes. It will be interesting to watch the drama unfold as the season progresses towards the Championship meet.

If there is anything you the reader would like to see, tell me below.