A record-breaking performance in the heptathlon at the Doane University Happy Holidays Multi-Event earned Will Daniels the distinction of NCAA Division III National Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Daniels compiled a point total of 5,423 in the seven-event competition. That mark is the third best in Division III history, 11 points shy of a six-year record held by Richard Roethel of Christopher Newport University. Performances from Daniels were good enough to win three of the seven events and runner-up marks in two others.

Daniels also shattered the school record of 5,399 held by Eric Larson since 2015. At the 2018 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships, Daniels won the national title with 5,287 points. Central hosts the Dutch Holiday Preview this Saturday at H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse, starting with field events at 11 a.m.