Huskers Begin 2017 Season in USTFCCA Top 30

The Nebraska track and field teams will both begin the season in the top 30 of the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) preseason rankings, which were released on Monday. 

The Husker women came in 28th in the computer rankings with 38.84 points. The Husker men are ranked 29th with 30.14 points. The point totals are calculated based on returning athletes' 2016 marks relative to the best in the nation. 

The Husker women return first-team All-American Tierra Williams in the triple jump from last year's NCAA Indoor Championships. Reka Czuth was a second-team All-American in the high jump. The Husker men return two second-team indoor All-Americans from 2016 in Landon Bartel (high jump) and the 4x400-meter relay. 

Oregon, Arkansas, Georgia, USC and Texas took the top five spots in the women's rankings. Florida, Oregon, LSU, Arkansas and Syracuse lead the men's poll. 

Nebraska opens the 2017 season by hosting the Holiday Inn Invitational on Friday and Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Indoor Track. Friday's action begins at 4 p.m., and Saturday's events begin at Noon.