A slew of strong performances Wednesday and Thursday at the Augustana Midwest Twilight Qualifier increased the number of anticipated national qualifiers for the Central College men’s and women’s track and field teams.

The women’s 4×400-meter relay team of Lizzy Van Utrecht, Ava Parkins, Emily McMartin, and Abbi Roerdink finished fifth and improved upon their season best time by 13 tenths of a second and are No. 15 at 3:48.13. Leaving no doubt about her qualification, Addison Parrott won the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10:36.24. She entered the day No. 20 on the list but moved all the way up to No. 8 with her new time. Finishing second in the invitational division of the women’s 1,500 meters, sophomore Peyton Steffen finished second in 4:29.05 and moved up to the No. 16 spot on the qualifying list. In the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, both Jack Brown and Caleb Silver improved their qualifying slot. Brown finished third in 8:57.40 and Silver was sixth in 9:00.08. Brown is solidly into the field of 22 but Silver is hoping to hold on to the 22nd spot.

Central will find out which individuals and relays officially qualify for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships Friday night.