BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Augustana outdoor track & field squads have been picked second and third in this year's NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced Thursday. The men's team was selected to finish second with 88 points with one lone first-place vote. On the women's side, the Vikings were picked third with 144 points. Augustana is set to begin its season on April 5 at the USD Early Bird Meet in Vermillion South Dakota. 

"Our Men's team is coming off a great second-place finish in the indoor season and we return a great nucleus of athletes from that team.  Our depth continues to get better and we are excited to blend as a team later in the year." Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Tracy Hellman.

Ryan Hartman and Jonathan Sikel were selected as Augustana athletes to watch this upcoming spring on the men's side.  

Hartman comes into the outdoor season after collecting three NSIC Championships in the indoor season. Hartman was an NSIC Champion in the 5,000m and a 3,000m Steeplechase All-Conference honoree last season. 

"Ryan has consistently improved throughout his career at Augustana. His competitiveness and confidence are what separates him from others.  He has the desire to be the best and is one of our hardest workers he is a great example of the type of athlete we strive to have in the program."

Jonathan Sikel recorded a personal best of 6.78m in the long jump at the NSIC Championships last season. 

"Johnny is a great team player and has shown to compete the best when the championship season starts.  We are excited to have him back again this spring."

"Our women's team has many talented and motivated team members and are excited for the outdoor season. Our indoor results showed that we have the talent and ability to have a great team performance. Our balance continues to improve and I am excited to see what this group can do." 

Maia Peterson and Maria Pedroso were selected as Augustana's athletes to watch in the upcoming season. 

"Maia is entering her junior outdoor season and is a great sport. She is coming off an indoor season where she set a lifetime record and the school record in the indoor 400. She was very instrumental in our women winning the conference 4 x 4 title, and her confidence and leadership are at an all-time high. She is ready for big things this outdoor season."

Peterson broke the school record in the sprint medley relay at the Drake Relays with a time of 4:00.46 last season. The junior runner is coming off a tremendous indoor season and played a crucial role in helping the women's team capture first place in the 4x400m. 

"Maria had a breakout indoor season and is set up great to have an outstanding outdoor campaign. She has improved steadily each season and she is set up for her best season to date. She is a great team member and rises to the occasion to perform her best."

Pedroso enters her third collegiate outdoor season after claiming a personal best in the heptathlon at the NSIC Outdoor Championships with 4,086 points last season. The junior from Spain was an NSIC All-Conference honoree in the high jump after recording a mark of 1.67 during the NSIC Indoor Championships. 

The Vikings kick off their outdoor season April 5-6 in Vermillion, South Dakota at the USD Early Bird. This meet marks the first of eight leading up to the NSIC Outdoor Championships on May 9-10.