Ashland men and Grand Valley State women hold No. 1 spots in index ratings

Ashland men and Grand Valley State women hold No. 1 spots in index ratings

NEW ORLEANS – There's a new No. 1 on the men's side, while 24 of the top-25 experienced change on the women's side in the latest edition of the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field National Rating Index released by the U.S. Cross Country and Track & Field Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Tuesday.

Ashland is the United States new No. 1 after it picked up 177.86 points. It has only been a brief time away from the No. 1 rating as the program held the top spot for Weeks 1-7 of last year.

The Eagles have gotten strong performances across multiple disciplines to open the year. Myles Pringle is the top rated 400 athlete and is second overall in the high jump. Trevor Bassitt is currently ranked No. 1 in the 60 hurdles and No. 3 in the 200 with a time of 21.35 ran just this past weekend. The group also has three weight throwers in the top-five with Brent Fairbanks (first), Alex Hill (second) and Nick Zak (fifth). A deep sprint and throws group propelled the unit to the top spot in the country.

Trading spots with Ashland was No. 2 Adams State who opened the year as the favorites to capture the national crown. The Grizzlies received 156.67 points in this edition of the index.

Remaining at No. 5 was Grand Valley State after picking up 95.09 points in the index. The Lakers are a well rounded unit with top athletes across sprints, distance and field events. They are currently led by Dennis Mbuta (second in the 800), Zach Panning (second in the 5000) and Enael Woldemichael (third in the 5000). Northwood is 19th and Saginaw Valley State 22nd.

Grand Valley State holds a strong in the early season women's ratings as it came in as the No 1 program for the second consecutive week to open the year with 259.39 points. The Lakers currently own the leaderboard across multiple disciplines as one of the most complete programs in the nation.

On the sprints side, Rachael Walters is the No.2 ranked athlete in both the 800 and mile while Nicole Sreenan is third in the 400, sixth in the 200 and seventh in the 60. Abby Crouch is also third in the mile. The distance group is covered with Allie Ludge (second in the 3000), Gina Patterson (third in the 3000), Hanna Groeber (second in the 5000) and Stacey Metzger (fourth in the 5000). They also have the current No. 4 in pole vault (Ellianne Kimes), No. 6 in the long jump (Alexis Duncan) and seventh in the weight throw (Bobbie Goodwin). Oh, and their 4×400 relay current is the No. 3 unit in the country.

Slotting in behind them after a one-spot improvement was No. 2 Adams State with 193.37 points as the always strong Grizzlies have quite a squad themselves.

The Ashland women's team is ranked eighth, and SVSU is 28th.

Jan. 22 USTFCCCA Rankings Release