BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships began on Friday at the Birmingham Crossplex. The University of Dubuque competed in three events today with two highlights coming in the women's pole vault as freshman Cailey Peterson earned Second Team All-America honors, while Jaide Flowers earned Second Team All-America honors in the 400 meters. 

Peterson began the pole vault today at 3.75 meters and was able to clear that height on her first attempt. After missing her first attempt at 3.85 meters, Peterson cleared the height on her second go around. At the next height, Peterson would try three times to clear 3.95 meters, but would be unsuccessful. Peterson tied for sixth, but due to attempt tiebreakers she finished in a tie for 10th place.

Jaide Flowers ran in the women's 400 meter prelims on Friday afternoon. Flowers ran 56.62 seconds in heat three and finished 16th overall to earn Second Team All-America honors for the first time in her indoor career. 

Lucas Cummings in the men's weight throw finished 18th in the weight throw after marking 16.89 meters on his second throw of the day.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday for day two of the NCAA Indoor Championships. The Spartans schedule is below.

Saturday, March 14
11:00 a.m. - Men's Shot Put (Dakota Hoffman)
12:30 p.m. - Women's High Jump (Jaden Gatts)
2:00 p.m. - Women's Shot Put (Chloe Reiser)