BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — The heptathlon duo representing the Central College men's track and field team are both in All-American position following the first day of competition at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships Friday.

After the first four disciplines of the seven-discipline event, Will Daniels (sophomore, Geneseo, Ill.) leads the 15-man field with 3,105 points. Ryan Kruse (senior, St. Clair, Minn.) is trailing with 2,889 points in third. Second place belongs to Nate Newman of Ohio Wesleyan University with 2,919.

"They had opportunities to do some good things and they took advantage," associate head coach Jim Fuller said. "Both of their scores are day one PR's and you have to be happy with that."

The duo got off to a fast start in the heptathlon's first event, the 60-meter dash. The third-place finisher at the Iowa Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships a week ago, Daniels ran away from the field in 6.97 seconds for the second-fastest mark in school history. Kruse had a new personal-best of 7.23 seconds and finished third.

"Will's start, particularly his first three steps, was outstanding," Fuller said. "His drive phase is really good right now. I was really pleased when I saw both of their times pop up,"

A quarter-of-an-inch increase over his previous best indoor high jump saw Daniels clear the bar at 6-11, the best in the field and third-best all-time at Central. Daniels, who is qualified for Saturday's high jump, narrowly missed his second attempt at 7-0.25. Kruse was able to go over the bar at 5-11.25
           
"Will did a good job of making jumps early," Fuller said. "We also passed on a couple of bars so when we got to the big heights his legs were fresh."

Kruse's shot put of 46 feet, 1.25 inches was nearly four feet better than the next best competitor. Daniels effort went 38-9, his best performance in the heptathlon this year. It was Kruse's effort in the long jump that most impressed Fuller as he leapt six inches past his previous best effort for a measurement of 21-8. Daniels was right behind Kruse with a jump of 21-6.25

"That last jump by Ryan was great," Fuller said. "We had some struggles in the long jump and if he hadn't hit that last jump he would have taken a much shorter jump. Those 47 centimeters (18.50 inches) were worth a lot of points."

The final three events of the heptathlon begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning with the 60-meter hurdles. The pole vault follows at 10:50 a.m. with the 1,000-meter run closing out the competition at 1:50 p.m. Daniels will also compete in the individual high jump at 3:30 p.m.