PITTSFORD, NY -- Victoria Brewster and Alexa Belanger are the first track & field athletes to qualify for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships. They traveled just north to Nazareth University to compete on Friday and Saturday for the historic event. Eight athletes at this meet qualified and competed for the United States Indoor Track & Field Championships, which includes qualified athletes at ANY level. Not only did they get into the meet, which requires them to be in the top 20 in their event, but they absolutely thrived in this high level of competition. Brewster kicked off Houghton's presence by running a .02 personal best time in the PRELIMS, and headed into the final as the #2 seed for the event. This was one spot ahead of her #3 rank going into the championships. 

On Saturday, the atmosphere was electric, with a presence of 25-30 HUTF teammates, staff, and administrators to cheer on Victoria and Alexa. Victoria went off in the 60m Final at 3:25pm. She started shoulder to shoulder with Lauren Jarrett, who is the national 60m record holder for NCAA Division III, and competed at the United States Indoor Track & Field Championships a few weeks ago. For the first 30-35 meters, Brewster led with her incredible starting ability. In the end, Brewster finished as the national runner-up in 7.49, which is #5 all-time for NCAA Division III in the 60m. Just before Brewster went off, Belanger's competition began in the high jump. Quickly, she cleared opening height of 1.60m on her first attempt. At the next height of 1.65m, she missed her first attempt, but soon cleared on her second attempt. Next, she'd attempt 1.68m, which she cleared just once to qualify for the event. In similar fashion to the AARTFC meet last week, Belanger cleared this on her 3rd attempt and climbed to 9th place. She missed at three attempts at 1.71m, her first being her best, and secured her place as a 2nd Team All-American. 

"I mean what can you say about these two ladies. They are such good representatives of Houghton University and our program. To have the meet so local so that our team could come, watch, and absorb was invaluable. I think Tori and Alexa felt their presence and thrived off of it. What a privilege to have two ladies who do everything their asked, lead by example, and treat their teammates so well. They both deserve every bit of success that they achieve on the track. I think both of them qualifying, together, as a big boost to their respective performances. You'd have to hear from them on that, but I'd be surprised if they didn't echo the same thing. Additionally, I couldn't be happier for their event coaches Austin Beauregard and Brennan Lewandowski. They both have enhanced our program this year, and really made a big impact on the athletes they coach day to day. For Tori and Alexa to both come out with All-American honors is extremely impressive and speaks to their preparedness, but also just the grit they both bring when the step into competition. The way this will revuberate to the rest of the program is going to be fun to be a part of in the coming seasons," said Coach Hager. 

Both track & field teams will move into their outdoor T&F season on Wednesday, 3/19 at Roberts Wesleyan.