BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Hamline University track and field team capped off a successful indoor season this past weekend, sending two standout Pipers to the NCAA Indoor Championships in Birmingham.

Sophomore Isaiah Watson (Fridley, Minn.) made his second national appearance a memorable one. Entering the triple jump competition ranked 20th, Watson defied the seeds by delivering a career-best performance. He surpassed his previous lifetime best on three separate attempts, ultimately reaching a mark of 14.84 meters. That leap secured a fifth-place finish and earned Watson his first First-Team All-American honors.

Fifth-year Lexi Brainer (Lakeville, Minn.) concluded her decorated career as a Piper on the national stage. Brainer punched her ticket to Birmingham earlier this season with a top-10 national mark of 17.71m at the Jack Johnson Classic. In the championship weight throw, she placed 19th in the country with a best toss of 15.90 meters, marking the end of a standout collegiate tenure.