BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has announced the preseason coaches' poll for men's and women's outdoor track & field. Minnesota State Moorhead had Christalea Wagner, Kiley Kranz, Justin Jacobson and Jared Gregoire noted as 'Athletes to Watch'. Gregoire was tabbed as the conference's Preseason Track Athlete of the Year. 

The Dragon women were slotted 10th in the team poll behind 81 points while the Dragon men were listed third with 100 points and a first-place vote. Minnesota State topped both preseason rankings. 

Moorhead's women's placed 11th at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships. "What excites me most about this year's women's team is the potential within a young and developing group," said track & field head coach Ryan Milner. "We have a number of athletes who made significant progress during the indoor season, and that experience has built a lot of confidence moving forward. It's a group that's continuing to grow, and we're excited to see that development translate into strong performances outdoors."

Wagner collects the 'athlete to watch' honor after a strong indoor campaign that saw her enter the top 10 all-time in the 400m. "Christalea continues to show steady growth as a collegiate athlete. During the indoor season she gained valuable racing experience while setting personal bests in both the 400m and 60m, which was exciting to see," said Milner of the freshman. "She's a driven and coachable athlete who continues to develop, and we believe she's only beginning to tap into her potential as we head into the outdoor season."

Kranz is fresh off an All-NSIC performance in the shot put at the conference's indoor championships. "Kiley showed tremendous development throughout the indoor season, and it was great to see that progress culminate in an All-Conference performance in the shot put," said Milner of Kranz. "She continues to improve technically and competitively, and we're excited about the momentum she's carrying into the outdoor season."

The Dragon men finished runner-up in the team standings at the NSIC Indoor Championships in February. "What excites me most about this year's team is how well-rounded we are across event areas. We're building off the momentum of a very strong indoor season, and there's a lot of belief within the group right now," said Milner of the men's squad. "Our athletes gained valuable championship experience indoors, and we're excited to see that confidence carry over into the outdoor season."

Jacobson also turned in an impressive indoor throws campaign, narrowly missing qualification for the NCAA Championships in the shot put. "Justin had an outstanding indoor season, earning All-Conference honors in the shot put while also placing at the conference meet in the weight throw," said Milner. "He ranked among the top shot putters in NCAA Division II and continues to establish himself as one of the premier throwers in the NSIC heading into the outdoor season."

Gregoire is coming off an All-American mile campaign during the indoor season. The redshirt junior was the NSIC's high-point performer at the indoor championships in February. "Jared reestablished himself as one of the top middle-distance runners in Division II this indoor season. After returning from last year's setback, he captured three NSIC conference titles and qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships in the mile," said Milner. "Jared is a fierce competitor who consistently delivers in championship settings, and we're excited to see that momentum carry into the outdoor season.

Moorhead is set to begin the outdoor season on Friday, April 3 as part of the USD Early-Bird in Vermillion, S.D.