COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles men's and women's indoor track and field teams wrapped up a historic season highlighted by two national qualifiers, multiple school records, and strong regional rankings.
Senior Olivia Holmquist qualified for nationals in the high jump and is currently tied for seventh in the nation. Riley Norris also earned a spot at nationals after posting a qualifying mark in the pentathlon, giving the Golden Eagles two representatives on the national stage.
Both programs finished the indoor season ranked ninth in the region, continuing the steady rise of the Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles in the highly competitive West Region.
The indoor campaign was especially memorable as the men's team competed in its final indoor season at the National Collegiate Athletic Association level. The Golden Eagles made the most of the opportunity, setting seven men's school records and four women's school records throughout the season.
Several athletes also posted provisional national qualifying marks. Noah Plaza had a standout season, recording qualifying marks in the 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and as part of the men's distance medley relay team alongside Moises Benito, Andrew Driver, and Logan Jones.
Plaza dominated the regional rankings, finishing first in the West Region in both the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters, while also ranking fourth in the mile. The men's distance medley relay team also sits first in the region, highlighting the team's strength in distance events.
In the field events, Max Castin delivered strong performances with a third-place regional ranking in the high jump and fifth in the long jump, while Trey Vergenz ranked third in the region in the weight throw.
On the women's side, Emma Timmermans finished second in the West Region in the 5,000 meters, while Holmquist ranked second in the high jump regionally. Norris added to the impressive results with a third-place regional ranking in the pentathlon.
With two national qualifiers, numerous regional standouts, and a record-breaking season in the books, the Golden Eagles now shift their focus to the outdoor campaign. The indoor success has created significant confidence as the Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles prepare to continue their strong performances in the upcoming outdoor season.
