Story by UNK Athletic Communication
Kearney, Neb. – Redshirt junior Lily Novacek will represent Nebraska Kearney at the 2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships next weekend in Indiana.
The meet is part of the "D2 Winter Sports Festival" and runs March 13-15. Novacek (Kearney H.S.) will compete in the weight throw on Friday (Mar. 14) at 11:15 a.m. Central. Live video and live results are available. A two-time NCAA outdoor qualifier, Novacek currently ranks second nationally in the weight throw with a toss of 64-10.50. Sophomore Molly Winner of Ashland (Ohio) had an effort of 66-9.75 on Feb. 28 with teammate Leslie Pollock (64-9.25) ranked third.
A top 12 finish is good for All-American status; Tiara Schmidt (2020), Amber Tiefenthaler (2003), and Janet Boettcher (1999-01) are UNK's D2 AA's in the weight throw.
The top 18 individuals and the top 12 relays from around the country qualified for the championships held at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavillion. Ties were broken by the next best time/mark for a competitor.
Those Lopers to rank in their respective events Top 29 were the men's DMR squad (21st/9:46.61), Novacek in the shot (22nd/46-6.75) and Hastings sophomore Nolan Studley in the high jump (22nd/6-9.75.)