INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Fort Hays State Tigers kicked off the NCAA Indoor Championships with standout performances on the national stage today (March 13). Senior Nolan Churchman sits in third place after the first four events of the men's heptathlon, while junior Annabeth Baalmann secured a second team All-America finish in the women's pole vault.

Churchman, a six-time All-American, wasted no time making an impact in the multi-event competition. He clocked in at 6.98 seconds in the 60-meter dash, winning and earning 889 points to start the day. He followed up with a strong long jump, landing a mark of 23-2.00 for 828 points. In the shot put, he recorded a throw of 40-9.50, just short of his personal best and adding 633 points to his total. Churchman then closed out the day on a high note, clearing 6-6.00 in the high jump, which earned him 785 points. His combined score of 3,135 points puts him in third place heading into day two, well in contention for another All-American finish.

In the women's pole vault, Baalmann finished 10th overall to earn second team All-America honors, clearing 13-4.50 to cap off a historic season. The junior entered the championships ranked fourth nationally and had already rewritten the school record books multiple times this year. This is her second All-America finish after placing eighth at last year's indoor meet.

With one day in the books, the Tigers are off to a strong start at the national meet. Churchman will return to action tomorrow to complete the final three events of the heptathlon and in the long jump competition, while Jacob Clark looks to make his mark in the men's pole vault on Saturday (March 15).

Full FHSU Results
Men's Heptathlon
3rd – Nolan Churchman – 3135
60m – 6.98 - 889
LJ – 23-2.00 - 828
SP – 40-9.50 - 633
HJ – 6-6.0 – 785 
 
Women's Pole Vault
10th – Annabeth Baalmann – 13-4.50