BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Records fall as three Widener men's indoor track and field athletes were garnered All-American after their performances at the 2023 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships.
"Although each All American performance by Alden, Alex, and Samuel was equally sublime, the distinct way they inspired each other to succeed was a joy to watch," said Head Coach
Vince Touey. "Seeing each guy live out the motto "If I am not for myself then who be for me? If I am for myself alone, then who am I? If not now, when?" is what will keep Widener Track and Field inspired for many generations to come."
Alex Kristeller,
Samuel Knowles, and
Alden Littlefield each competed in individual events this past Friday and Saturday. Kristeller qualified in the weight throw and went into the weekend ranked second with a mark of 20.27 meters. Knowles qualified in the 400-meter dash with a time of 47.90 at the AARTFC Championships. He was ranked sixth. Littlefield went into the weekend with a 16.86-meter throw in the shot put from the 2023 MAC Championships a couple weeks back.
Kristeller opened the weekend for the Pride in the weight throw. The mark of 20.55-meters set a new MAC and Widener record which was held by Kristeller from last year's National Championship mark of 20.37-meters. Kristeller's throw earned him second place by less than a meter. For his throw, he was named an All-American.
In the 400-meter dash, Knowles finished the preliminary race with a 48.03 which placed him seventh. His placement earned him a lane in the finals on Saturday evening. In finals, Knowles bettered his preliminary time by stopping the clock in a 47.80 which would better his own MAC and Widener record by .10. From his performance, Knowles placed fourth and earned All-American honors. He missed the bronze by .01.
Littlefield continued the All-American trend for the Pride in the shot put. The throw of 16.49-meters would place Littlefield fifth just .49 behind the fourth-place finisher. His throw just missed his own Widener record of 16.86-meters.
All three will return to Chester to prepare for the outdoor season.
