Four Raiders to Battle on National Stage

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – This weekend, the anticipation is building as Northwestern athletes prepare to showcase their talents at the prestigious NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Gainesville, Florida. The event kicks off on Thursday, February 27, with Northwestern athletes entering the fray on Friday, February 28. With a strong lineup, the Raiders are set to compete in a variety of events, promising an exciting display of athletic prowess.

A livestream of the weekend's events will be available for free on the NAIA Network with live results provided by Half-Mile Timing.

BRADEN KALVELAGE – LONG JUMP
Braden Kalvelage returns to the championships with a notable history. In 2023, Kalvelage earned All-American honors with a fifth-place finish. This year, he is a strong contender, holding the second-best mark in the NAIA, thanks to his impressive 7.50m jump at the GPAC Championships. Although he finished 17th at the 2024 national meet, Kalvelage's recent form suggests he is ready to make a significant impact.

CARSON VAN SICKLE – 800M
Making his debut at the NAIA Championships, Carson Van Sickle enters the competition ranked 28th in the NAIA for the 800m. With a personal best time of 1:54.87 achieved at the GPAC Championships, Van Sickle also clinched the GPAC title in his last outing, marking him as a rising talent to watch closely in Gainesville.

EMMA BLUM – 400M
Emma Blum is set to compete in her first individual event at the NAIA Championships. Blum holds the 15th best time in the 400m, clocking a personal record of 58.07 at the Dennis Young Indoor Classic. A 2025 GPAC Champion, Blum is poised to demonstrate her growth and competitive edge on this grand stage.

AUBREY DRGROOT – HIGH JUMP
Aubrey DeGroot returns to the NAIA Championships for a second consecutive season, eager to build on her experience. DeGroot matched her personal best with a 1.65m high jump at the GPAC Championships, earning her a second-place finish. Currently ranked 22nd in the NAIA, DeGroot is determined to secure a successful result this time around.

With each athlete bringing their unique strengths and past experiences, the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Gainesville promise to be an exhilarating event. For more information and updates, visit nwcraiders.com. Join us in supporting these talented athletes as they strive for excellence on the national stage.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

Emma Blum: Sprints; 5' 9"; Junior

Aubrey De Groot: High Jump; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Braden Kalvelage: Jumps; 6' 0"; Junior

Carson Van Sickle: 6' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Emma Blum
: 5' 9"; Junior
: Sprints

Aubrey De Groot
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: High Jump

Braden Kalvelage
: 6' 0"; Junior
: Jumps

Carson Van Sickle
: 6' 3"; Freshman