Dupage Policy Journal

North Central College secured its eighth consecutive victory at the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Men's Indoor Track & Field Championship. The event took place at the Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where North Central amassed 198 points to claim its 23rd league title overall.

Seven Cardinals emerged victorious in individual events, contributing to a total of 35 North Central student-athletes earning All-CCIW honors by achieving top-eight finishes in individual events or top-four performances in relays. Among the event winners were Lucas Hoffman (800 meters), Braden Nicholson (3,000 meters), Oscar Frontjes (5,000 meters), Kamil Kokot (55 meter hurdles), James Ammenhauder (long jump), Jayden Leise (triple jump), and Ben Balboa (shot put).

North Central's head coach Gabe Rivera and his staff received recognition as the CCIW Coaching Staff of the Year, marking their first such award since 2018.

Illinois Wesleyan finished second with 118 points. Their athlete Nick Walker was named CCIW Men's First-Year Field Student-Athlete of the Meet after winning the high jump with a height of 2.05 meters and placing sixth in the long jump.

Jereme Ombogo from North Park was honored as the CCIW Track Student-Athlete of the Meet for his victories in both the 55 meters and 200 meters events. Augustana placed third with 84.3 points, having produced 13 All-CCIW athletes.

Millikin University ranked fourth overall. Kyle Hensley from Millikin won first place in pole vaulting on Friday night with a mark of 5.20 meters, earning him CCIW Field Student-Athlete of the Meet honors. Ibrahim Diakite also represented Millikin well by finishing second in the 55 meters and third in the 200 meters, securing CCIW First-Year Track Student-Athlete of the Meet accolades.

The awards distributed during this championship include:

- CCIW Men's Coaching Staff of the Meet: North Central

- CCIW Men's Track Student-Athlete of the Meet: Jereme Ombogo, North Park

- CCIW Men's Field Student-Athlete of the Meet: Kyle Hensley, Millikin

- CCIW Men's First-Year Track Student-Athlete of the Meet: Ibrahim Diakite, Millikin

- CCIW Men's First-Year Field Student-Athlete of the Meet: Nick Walker, Illinois Wesleyan

Additionally, Nolan Crooks and BJ Sorg from North Central received CCIW Men's Elite 26 Award Winners recognition. Several athletes were acknowledged with RESPECT Awards for their sportsmanship and contributions to their teams.