Adams' Nelson makes USATF steeple final

Because I neglected to post this until after Day 1 (blame it on the World Cup), you likely already know Adams State freshman Alicia Nelson made the finals of the USATF championships steeple in Des Moines.

Nelson ran a quick 10:18 to become the last qualifier. Quite a performance regardless, and add the fact that she's 19? Would-be D2 steeplers might have to wait until 2014 to get a shot at winning that event.

Elsewhere, D2 had two in the women's 10,000. Charlotte champ Tanya Zeferjahn (Queens) finished in the back half of the field, while Sarah Porter (Western Washington) did not finish. Angelo State's Andrea Nussey ran a 2:07 (and non-qualifying) 800 heat.

Meanwhile, ex-D2ers Scott Bauhs (Chico State) and Brian Medigovich (Adams State) finished within a couple of seconds, but unfortnately only just under 30 minutes in the 10k. Ex-Adams Stater Aaron Braun runs the 5,000 tonight.

Most notably, no Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific).

D2ers take on USA

Queens' Tanya Zeferjahn and at least two Adams State distance standouts (Aaron Braun and Brian Medigovich) will take to the track for the USAT&F Indoor Nationals in Albuquerque, all of them in the 3,000.

I'll be curious to see how the nation's best handle the altitude -- and just how the meet unfolds.

Ex-D2ers Aucencio Martinez and Scott Bauhs are also entered in the 3,000; Nick Lara is in the 800.

For many others in Division II, it's conference championships weekend, including the Great Lakes, Mid-America, Northern Sun, Pennsylvania State and Rocky Mountain conferences.