GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The Olivet Nazarene University women's indoor track and field team made history this weekend in Gainesville, Florida when they earned a fourth-place finish at the NAIA Championships with a final team total of 30 points. This is the first trophy in program history, and the accomplishment was highlighted by an individual title and multiple top‑five finishes.
Senior distance standout Heidi Heldt led the Tigers with a dominant weekend, winning the national championship in the mile with a time of 4:43.33. She added to her medal haul with a third‑place performance in the 1000m (2:49.25), improving upon her 10th-place finish in last year's championship meet. Additionally, both of these times for Heldt established new school records.
Sophomore Olivia Lentz delivered a standout showing in the women's 600m, placing third with a time of 1:31.88. This time was a new personal best for Lentz and gives her the second-fastest time in program history.
Junior Amanda Gustafson recorded a fourth‑place finish in the women's shot put with a throw of 14.16m (46' 5½"). This result gave Gustafson a new personal best and she now holds the third best throw in program history.
The women's 4x400m relay (Carsyn Burdine, Kristen Garth, Teleyah Covington, and Olivia Lentz) also earned points toward the team total by placing sixth with a time of 3:46.34.
Several more Tigers competed at the championships and represented ONU proudly.
- The Distance Medley Relay team (Taygen Beyer, Angel Ward, Laurel Munson, and Heidi Heldt) finished 13th (12:29.33).
- Carsyn Burdine finished ninth in the 400m (56.27) and 22nd in the 200m (25.03).
- Teleyah Covington finished 13th in the 400m (56.68) and 21st in the 200m (24.98).
- Taygen Beyer finished 18th in the 1000m (2:59.52).
--ONU--