BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Behind a preseason athlete of the year recognition, the Augustana track and field teams were each picked in the top-three of the 2025 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll for the outdoor season, league officials announced on Friday.
 
The Vikings men picked up two first-place votes and 91 points to finish second as the women tallied 143 points for third.
 
"Our men's team has a good mixture of experience and youth," said head coach Scott Tanis. "We have a strong group of seniors but also a group of underclassmen who are eager to contribute and step into larger roles. The leadership from our veterans, combined with the energy and potential of our younger athletes, creates an exciting dynamic and I look forward to seeing that on display this spring."
 
One of those veterans on the men's team is Ryan Hartman, who was named the preseason Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and the Vikings' preseason Athlete to Watch. A season ago, Hartman took home two NSIC titles in the 1500-meter and 5000-meter and was an NCAA Championship qualifier in the 5000-meter, where he earned All-America First Team honors.
 
"Ryan has had fantastic cross country and indoor track seasons so far this year and will look to continue that momentum into outdoor track," said Tanis. "Ryan works incredibly hard and is a fierce competitor. He's deserving of the success he's experienced and I look forward to seeing what more he can accomplish this spring."
 
Representing the women's side of the AU track team, Ella Bakken and Kylee Sallee were tabbed as the Vikings' preseason Athletes to Watch.
 
"Our women's team is filled with experienced seniors who have consistently performed at a high level throughout their collegiate careers," said Tanis. "Their leadership and competitive experience will be instrumental in guiding our younger athletes as they develop within the program. I'm excited to see them continue building on their success while setting the standard for the next generation."
 
Bakken claimed her first outdoor NSIC Championship title in the 10,000-meter run at last season's conference meet. She also nabbed an All-Conference honor in the 5000-meter run.
 
Coach Tanis said, "Ella thrives in the longer events and the outdoor season allows her ability to be on full display. She is the defending NSIC champion in the 10K and was also All-NSIC in the 5K last year, placing 3rd and coming back as the top returner in the event. Her experience and determination make her a key asset to our team and we are excited to see what she accomplishes this season."
 
A senior from Hudson, Iowa, Sallee finished fourth in the heptathlon at the 2024 NSIC Outdoor Championships, narrowly missing a medal. She also reached the podium in the women's javelin throw while grabbing third with the 4x100-meter relay.
 
"Kylee has a tremendous workout ethic and has improved each year she's been at Augustana," said Tanis. "She scored in 4 events at last year's outdoor conference meet and has continued to elevate her performance since, including qualifying for nationals in the pentathlon this indoor season. Her dedication and versatility make her a key contributor to our team and I have no doubt she will continue to excel this spring."
 
Augustana will begin outdoor competition at the USD Early Bird on April 4 and 5 down in Vermillion.