South Dakota freshman Chris Nilsen has been named the U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association’s (USTFCCCA) Midwest Region Field Athlete of the Year.
Nilsen, a freshman out of Kansas City, Mo., enters the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with the top height of 18 feet, 9 ½ inches, in the pole vault. He captured a Summit League title with a championship meet record height of 18-1. He has vaulted over 18 feet at eight meets during the season and holds the South Dakota program record in the event.
Nilsen is the reigning NCAA Indoor Champion and a member of the The Bowerman Watch List.
Nilsen joins teammates Emily Grove (pole vault) and Danielle Waldner (shot put) in competition at the NCAA Championships this week. Nilsen vaults at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday.
