NDSU Men Picked to Win Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Title

ELMHURST, Ill. - The North Dakota State men's track and field team was selected to win its third straight Summit League outdoor title in a vote of the league's head coaches. The Bison just won their fifth straight indoor crown.

NDSU edged out Southern Utah for first place, tallying 60 points and five first place votes, while the Thunderbirds were second with 59 points and four first place votes. Oral Roberts was third with 50 points and South Dakota State was fourth with 42 points. South Dakota (39), UMKC (28), Western Illinois (23), Oakland (15) and IUPUI (8) rounded out the poll.

Reigning coach of the year Don Larson returns to lead the Bison. NDSU returns two defending league champions in Casey Orgon (hammer) and Matt Tetzlaff (60 meter hurdles). Newcomer of the championships Donte Smart is also back for the Bison.

NDSU opens the outdoor season at the Aztec Invitational March 15-17.

Summit League Preseason Poll
1. North Dakota State, 60 (5)
2. Southern Utah, 59 (4)
3. Oral Roberts, 50
4. South Dakota State, 42
5. South Dakota, 39
6. UMKC, 28
7. Western Illinois, 23
8. Oakland, 15
9. IUPUI, 8