The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released its preseason outdoor track and field rankings and four University of Minnesota Duluth athletes were named NSIC Athletes to Watch.

On the men's side, who were picked to finish eighth by the conference, sophomore sprinter Billy Auvin was the track athlete, while senior jumper Will Heydt was the field athlete.

Auvin enters his second outdoor season as a five-time NSIC scorer and one of the conference favorites in the 400m following an NCAA provisional qualifying performance during the indoor season. The New Richmond, Wis. native has versatility across the sprint events and will have a significant impact for the Bulldogs this spring. 

Heydt is one of the most accomplished triple jumpers in the NSIC and is coming off the best season of his career this past indoor. The product of Alexandria, Minn. has made a significant impact on the jumps program at UMD.

"We are excited to see our men's program take a step forward after a successful indoor season by many metrics, including school records and points scored in the NSIC Indoor championships, said UMD head coach Karly Brautigam. "This group of men is motivated to make each other better everyday, and as coaches, we have great belief in their strong community translating to even stronger competitive performances."

The women's team, which was selected to finish fifth after finishing fourth just last month at the NSIC Indoor Track and Field Championships, had senior middle distance runner Maddie Verkerke named as UMD's track athlete, while junior Lily Wanzek was named the field athlete. 

Verkerke, from White Bear Lake, Minn.,  ran the fastest 800m time in the NSIC during the indoor season and ranked third in the mile, establishing herself as one of the conference's top middle-distance runners heading into the outdoor season. 

"We're incredibly excited to see how she finishes her track and field career and are grateful for the dedication she has shown in helping elevate UMD's middle-distance program, said Brautigam.

Wanzek returns as a scorer in the long jump at the NSIC Outdoor conference championships. The Golden Valley, Minn. jumper is a dynamic athlete for the Bulldogs who was also a NSIC scorer in the short hurdles events.. 

"Our women are coming off of the most successful team performance in years this indoor season," said Brautigam. "We have the opportunity to take another step forward and take advantage of depth on the track. Our coaching staff is continuously impressed with the work ethic of this group, and their ability to pull each other along to greater performances."

The Bulldog outdoor season officially gets underway on April 2 at the Wartburg Select in Waverly, Iowa.