SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana's Henry Klitzke has been named the Preseason NSIC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year entering his final outdoor season as a Viking. Klitzke is coming off a national championship appearance in the 5000 meter run. Previous to his race on the national track, Klitzke was awarded the NSIC Indoor Track Athlete of the Year following an undefeated indoor season. 

Augustana outdoor track & field teams have been picked second in this year's NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced Friday. The Viking women picked up 181 points to be tabbed second while the men totaled 112 points and two first-place votes. Minnesota State was selected the preseason favorite for both the men and women with 196 points for the women and 120 for the men. The Vikings begin their outdoor season at the Raleigh Relays March 23-24 in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Henry Klitzke and Patty Jo English have been selected as the NSIC Track Athletes to Watch for Augustana, while Kylee Sallee and Connor Clayton were tabbed as the NSIC Field Athletes to Watch.

"This year's team has great balance both in senior leadership and youth, and also within the event areas." said Augustana Director of Track & Field Tracy Hellman. "As a staff we are looking forward to watching this veteran leadership guide this very talented team to achieve the team goals set earlier this year.

During his indoor season, Klitzke raced undefeated in NSIC competition placing first in the 3000 and 5000 mile run across five meets. His best performance during the indoor season was a 14:06.49 time in the 5000 meter to win the SDSU Indoor Classic while also breaking a program record. He ranked 17th in the nation in that event with a 15th place finish on the national track. 

"Henry is a true picture of persistence and dedication," said Hellman. "He has logged many miles over his career at Augustana.  His growth as a student-athlete has inspired many on the team to stay patient, focus and to put in the required work.  Earning the NSIC Indoor Track Athlete of the Year honors earlier, we look forward to watching this final outdoor season for him."

For the women, Patty Jo English garners her selection following a spot on the DMR that placed sixth on the national indoor track. Last season English won the 1,500 meter at the NSIC Outdoor Championships while recording an eighth place finish on the national track. She clocked a personal best in the event with a time of 4:24.39 to claim the Augustana school record. 

"Patty Jo has always stepped up for our team when it is needed," said Hellman. "She fights through adversity and motivates her team to achieve their goals.  We know that she will be ready for the challenges with the NSIC to lead the Vikings to another successful season."

Kylee Sallee embarks on her second outdoor season this spring. Sallee scored a personal best of 4,534 points in the heptathlon at the NSIC Outdoor Championships last season to claim a fourth place finish. During her freshman campaign, she recorded a personal best in the long jump with a distance of 5.90 to win the event, 

"Kylee continues to put in the work," said Hellman. "She is motivated by both her teammates and competitors to succeed.  She has a strong desire to improve and is always putting in extra time to make her dreams a reality.  She leads a talented group of multi-eventers at Augustana to compete with a very strong NSIC contingent."

Connor Clayton enters his fourth outdoor season with Augustana following a personal best in the triple jump at the NSIC Indoor Championships last month. Clayton jumped a distance of 13.98 meters to place sixth overall. In her outdoor campaign, Clayton has most recently recorded a personal best in the 200 meter clocking in a time of 23.16 at the Dordt Invite. 

"Connor is a leader on and off the track," said Hellman. "We are excited to see how his leadership can influence others to perform at their best this outdoor season."

"We are excited to see the team compete and come together as one," Hellman added. "Our training groups often train at different times and locations, but when they come together as a team we feel it.  It is when we build that commitment to the team over individual successes that excites us as a coaching staff."

Up Next
The Vikings begin their outdoor season at the Raleigh Relays March 23-24 in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

–GoAugie.com–