BIRMINGHAM, AL – A trio of first-time participants toed the line for the Cougars at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships.

It is the first time the Colorado Christian sent three competitors to the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

Nicholas Skinner's one mile effort saw him post a personal best. Competing in the second of two heats, Skinner clocked a time of 4:10.90; finishing just over two seconds out of the finals. He placed 11th in his first appearance at an NCAA Track and Field Championship appearance. It is the fifth fastest time in school history. Current assistant coach Evan Verbal has the top four.

Josh Pierantoni ran the fastest 5000 meter time in school history as he crossed the finish line in 14:01.06. The junior slowly crept his way through the field as he stayed in the 16th position during a majority of the first half of the before finishing ninth; missing All-American status by just one spot.

Michelle Kuipers became the first female in school history to compete at an NCAA Track and Field Championship. In her 800 meter race the Michigan native registered a time of 2:15.90 to finish 12th.

The Cougars will now focus on the Outdoor Track and Field season which is slated to begin the final weekend of March at CSU Pueblo.