The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released its annual preseason coaches' poll for men's indoor track and field today. The University of Minnesota Duluth checked in at the No. 6 spot.
 
In the poll, Minnesota State University-Mankato was picked as the heavy favorite again, garnering 10 first-place votes and 120 points. Following MSU was Augustana (112 pts. and the remaining two first-place votes), the University of Mary (89 pts.), Minnesota State University-Moorhead (88 pts.), Northern State (76 pts.) and the Bulldogs (72 pts.).
 
UMD finished seventh at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships last year. Highlighting that group are 12 top-8 finishers at the NSIC Championships from a year ago. Among those 12 are senior Christian Leonard, who is one of this year's player to watch for the Bulldogs, and for good reason. Leonard was an All-NSIC performer at the meet, placing third in the mile run (4:18.57) and fourth in the 800-meter run (1:57.65). Leonard was also able to make a first-place finish at the Lake Superior Challenge last year in the 1000-meter run with a time of 2:32.96. Senior Ian O'Connor has also been pegged as another athlete to watch. O'Connor placed first last season in UMD's debut at "The Opener" in the high jump (6'-04.75"). This was O'Connor's second consecutive year winning the event. Both Leonard and O'Connor received All-NSIC Spring honors last season and Fall this season, with Leonard making both Fall and Winter teams as well. Both athletes as well received D2 ADA Academic achievement awards.
 
Since the track & field team hasn't had a meet since February of 2020, I am looking forward to watching them being able to compete again" said head coach Paul Nisius. "The student-athletes are also very much looking forward to hopefully having the opportunity to compete during the indoor track & field season, as they miss competing against their opponents and striving to achieve their personal goals".