Storm trio announced as NCAA qualifiers

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Three student-athletes on the Simpson College men's track and field team were officially announced as qualifiers to the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships in Virginia Beach, Va. on Sunday evening.

Spencer Moon and Max Cleveland will take part in three combined running events, while Ulysses Patterson will compete in the heptathlon.

"We are thrilled to be represented by three terrific individuals at the national meet," said Storm director of track and field and cross country Heath Moenck. "Making a national meet is incredibly difficult and we could not be more proud of them."

Moon is competing in his third straight NCAA Indoor Championships, searching for his first All-American honor. The senior standout will compete in both the 3,000 and 5,000 meters, coming off successfully defending his conference titles in each event. Moon is currently ranked fourth in the country in the 3,000 meters and second in the 5,000 meters.

Cleveland will look to add an indoor All-American award after earning an outdoor All-American honor last spring. Participating in his second consecutive NCAA Indoor Championships, the Indianola, Iowa native will compete in the 60 meter hurdles and is currently ranked third in the event with a time of 7.95.

Patterson, competing in the heptathlon, will get his first taste of the indoor championships in his career, after competing in the outdoor championships in the spring. Patterson broke his own school record in the heptathlon on Saturday at the Wartburg Qualifier, earning him a spot in the championships. His score of 4,871 points is currently ranked 16th in the country.

The NCAA Division III Indoor Championships will take place next Friday and Saturday in Virginia Beach, Va and will be hosted by Norfolk State University. Stay tuned to simpsonathletics.com for exact information on when each athlete will be competing.