BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has unveiled its yearly preseason polls for indoor track & field. Minnesota State Moorhead was selected fourth on the men's side and eighth on the women's side by the league's coaches. Sophomore jumper Jazmin Barry, freshman sprinter Christalea Wagner, senior jumper Jaiden Peraza and sophomore distance runner Jared Gregoire were named MSUM's preseason 'Athletes to Watch'. Gregoire was tabbed as the league's Preseason Track Athlete of the Year. 

The Dragons men claimed the fourth spot in the poll thanks to 95 points. Minnesota State topped the men's poll with 121 points and 11 first-place votes. Augustana claimed the other first-place nod on the men's side. Moorhead's women were slotted eighth behind 92 points in a poll that was also topped by Minnesota State with 196 points and 14 first-place votes. UMary earned the other first-place vote in the women's poll. 

MSUM's men's team finished fourth as a collective at last season's NSIC Indoor Championships and return several key competitors to this season's roster. "What excites me most about this year's team is the blend of experienced returners and talented newcomers who are ready to contribute right away," said head track & field coach Ryan Milner, who begins his ninth at the helm in 2025-26. "We have strong event groups across the board and a collective mindset that's centered on growth, consistency, and competing at a championship level. The energy and commitment this group has shown early on gives me a lot of confidence in what we can accomplish this season."

Gregoire collects the pair of preseason honors despite not competing indoor for the past two seasons. The Buffalo, Minn., native will be long-remembered for his true freshman indoor campaign which saw him earn NSIC Newcomer of the Year honors. Gregoire is fresh off an individual NSIC Cross Country Championship this past fall, Moorhead's first individual champion since 2005. 

"Jared has proven himself as one of the top middle-distance runners in the country, and it's been exciting to see him return to form after last year's setback. He's a fierce competitor who knows how to win at a championship level," said Milner of Gregoire. "Coming off his NSIC cross country title, Jared is carrying great momentum into the indoor season, and we're excited to see what he accomplishes this year."

Peraza's 'athlete to watch' distinction comes as no surprise after he swept the high jump event at both the NSIC indoor and outdoor championships. The Kindred, N.D., native qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships in high jump a season ago and was an outdoor All-American as well. Peraza is one of only three men in school history to clear seven feet on the high jump. His personal best indoor mark of 7-0.25 is the second-best output in MSUM history. 

"Jaiden had an outstanding year, winning NSIC titles both indoors and outdoors while establishing himself among the top high jumpers in Division II. His ability to perform consistently at a high level and compete with composure on big stages sets him apart," said Milner of his senior. "Jaiden continues to push the standard within our program, and his work ethic and competitive drive make him a true leader for our jumps group heading into this season."

The Dragon women earned a ninth-place finish at last season's conference indoor championships with several young competitors poised to make an impact. "Our team gained valuable experience last season and has returned with a strong sense of confidence and purpose," said Milner. "We've also added some new faces who will make an immediate impact, which makes this one of the most exciting and well-rounded groups we've had in recent years."

Barry picks up the preseason honor after a record-breaking freshman campaign in 2024-25. The Dickinson, N.D., native reset the MSUM indoor long jump record in her first collegiate meet. Barry would place third in the long jump at last season's indoor championships before claiming a conference title in the event during the outdoor slate. The sophomore holds both long jump school records entering her second season of competition. 

"Jazmin had an incredible freshman year where she quickly established herself as one of the NSIC's premier jumpers. From breaking our school record in her first collegiate meet to winning the outdoor conference title, she's shown poise, consistency, and competitive fire beyond her years," said Milner of Barry, who's father Trevor is MSUM's sprints and jumps coach. "What makes Jazmin special is her attention to detail and her ability to rise in championship moments. She's only scratching the surface of what she can do, and we're excited to see her continue to elevate this indoor season."

Wagner, a true freshman from Harvey, N.D., is one of the many newcomers who are poised for major results in 2025-26. Moorhead's coaching staff is pleasantly surprised with her personal bests in both sprint and hurdle events. Wagner was a multi-time North Dakota state qualifier for Harvey High School in her prep career. 

"Christalea brings a phenomenal work ethic to our program. She's the type of athlete who shows up every day ready to get better. She was a multi-time state qualifier at Harvey High School, finishing second in both the 200m and 400m hurdles as a senior," said Milner of the frosh. "She's coming in with impressive personal bests: 56.55 in the 400m, 25.11 in the 200m, and 46.77 in the 300m hurdles. What excites us most is that she's only scratched the surface of her potential. She's driven, she's coachable, and she's poised for a breakout year."

The Dragons are set to embark on the 2025-26 indoor campaign next week as they travel across the Red River for the annual Dakota Alumni Classic, hosted by North Dakota State. Events from Fargo, N.D., are set to begin at noon on Thursday, December 11.