The University of Minnesota Duluth men's and women's indoor track and field teams were both picked to finish seventh in the upcoming 2025-26 indoor season by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference coaches, announced by the conference Thursday.


Four athletes were named NSIC Athletes to Watch -- junior sprinter Brady Johnson, senior thrower Jackson Weston, graduate distance runner Shaelyn Hostager and junior jumper Erin Steinman.


"The men's team is in a great position heading into the season," said head track and field coach Karly Brautigam. "We're returning key point contributors across all event groups — especially in the sprints, jumps, and throws — which gives us a strong foundation of experience and leadership. Alongside that core group, we have a talented group of young athletes who are eager to step up and make their mark. It's an exciting mix of proven performers and emerging talent, and we're looking forward to seeing how that depth and energy come together throughout the year."
 

Johnson established himself as one of the best sprinters in the NSIC last year, scoring in the 100M & 200M at the NSIC outdoor championships, while also a major contributor to both relays. A native of Oak Grove, Minn., Johnson has a sprint range that will be high impact from 60M-400M during the 2026 indoor season. Johnson is already the school record holder in the 100M, 200M, and indoor/outdoor 4x400M relays for the Bulldogs


Weston will come into his senior season as a seven-time conference scorer in the throwing events for the Bulldogs. Jackson, a Grand Rapids, Minn. product, has scored in both the shot put and weight throw during his career and will have the opportunity to be a high impact field events contributor for UMD this indoor season.


"Our women's team brings back standout performers across every event group, giving us a strong and balanced foundation heading into the season," said Brautigam. "After a promising fall of training and a successful cross country campaign, the team is eager to see its first year athletes and underclassmen take the next step forward. With that combination of proven experience and emerging young talent, this group is ready to make a big impact in the NSIC and beyond.

 
Hostager, just two weeks removed from competing in the 2025 NCAA DIvision II Cross Country meet,  enters the 2025–26 season after an outstanding year on the track. The defending NSIC champion in both the 5K and 10K, the native of Dubuque, Iowa continues to raise the bar for UMD's distance grou, and has the opportunity to be a major impact performer not only in the NSIC but also on the national stage for the Bulldogs this season.


Steinman is one of the NSIC's top returning triple jumpers. Hailing from Mahtomedi, Minn., Steinman's steady progression throughout her career proves she has the potential to be a major contributor for the Bulldogs and a standout performer in the conference this year.


The Bulldogs will get their first crack at the 2025-26 season on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the College of St. Scholastica.