NEW ORLEANS, La. — Birgen Nelson (Sr., Edina) added to her list of accomplishments Wednesday, as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its 2022-23 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year. Nelson was named the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year for the North Region after a record-setting indoor season.
Nelson was a MIAC Champion in three events, winning the 200, 60-hurdles, and a part of the winning 4×200 relay team. She set five of the top six 60-hurdles times in Division III history this season alone (1st: 8.33, 2nd: 8.38, 3rd: 8.39, 5th: 8.41, 6th: 8.42), breaking the NCAA DIII record twice, including a time of 8.33 at the USATF Indoor Championships where she finished sixth in the nation. Nelson ranks in the top 25 in Division III in three other events, sitting 15th in 60 (7.66), 17th in the 200 (24.83), and 24th in 400 (57.42). Nelson is no stranger to USTFCCCA awards, as she was twice named Division III National Athlete of the Week this season and was named USTFCCCA All-Region earlier this week.
Nelson is set to compete this weekend at the 2023 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships in Birmingham, Alabama.