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Results

GRINNELL, Iowa (Mar. 9, 2012)-- North Central College's quest for its third straight national indoor title got off on the right foot on Friday as Josh Winder soared to the national title in the pole vault while six more earned All-American honors at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships at Grinnell College's Bear Recreation & Athletic Center.

The Cardinals tallied 24 points to lead the team standings with four events complete. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is second with 15 points while the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is third with 14 points.

Winder and the pole vaulting crew set the tone for the day, tallying 22 of the team's 24 day one points. Winder secured his first national title and third All-American certificate on Friday after clearing 16 feet, 11 inches on his third and final try.

The junior entered the competition at 16' 3 1/4" and was one of seven to survive the height after clearing it on his second attempt of the day. Winder needed just one try to clear 16' 7 1/4" before earning the national crown at 16' 11". With the win, Josh Winder and his brother Jake Winder '10 become the first brothers in NCAA Division III history to win the same event at Indoor Nationals as Jake earned titles during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

"It took hard work and faith in general. I had to trust in myself, in my coach and in God," said Winder

John Wood and Thomas Stacey joined Winder on the podium as All-Americans, placing second and fourth, respectively. Wood entered the competition at 16' 3 1/2" and cleared it on his initial try before doing the same at 16' 7 1/4", tying the University of Wisconsin-Stout's Daniel Drewek for the runner-up position as both competitors had a spotless record before missing all three tries at 16' 11". The honor is Wood's fifth All-American accolade and his third at the indoor championships.

Stacey secured fourth place after clearing 16' 3 1/4" on his first attempt. The junior tallied his fourth All-America honor in the process, also clearing 15' 3 1/2" and 15' 9 1/4" on his opening attempt.

"The vaulters every year have an objective to be the best we can be collectively. On and off the track we try and stay as close as possible. We all live together down the street from North Central in a house, we train together and we do the same stuff," said Winder.

"As long as were all on the awards stand we're all happy and it doesn't matter what the order is."

Joining the vaulters as All-Americans on Friday was the distance medley relay team as Tim Hird, Bai Kabba, Juliano Lodi and John Crain secured a seventh place finish in the event, crossing the tape in 10 minutes, 3.79 seconds.

In the 400-meter dash, Dan Benton emerged as a heat winner, claiming the first heat in 48.65. The senior's time is currently the second fastest heading into Saturday's finals. Dionte Hackler finished second in heat three in 49.36, sneaking into the finals with the eighth and final spot.

"They ran a great race and anything can happen (at the national championships), you kind of hold your breath a little bit but anytime you can come to this meet and be an All-American is outstanding," said head coach Frank Gramarosso.

"We're 7-for-7 being All-Americans today. Tomorrow's another day and we'll see what happens."

The Cardinals have competitors in four events on Saturday, beginning at 12 p.m. with Robert Kapustka in the shot put.