LINCOLN, Neb.--Senior Ryan Widzgowski will compete for two national championships after advancing to the finals of both the 800 meters and the mile at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships at the Bob Devaney Center on Friday.

Running the mile preliminary less than three hours before the 800 meter prelim, Widzgowski finished third in his heat in 4:13.35, conserving some energy for the 800 meter race.  Back on the track, Widzgowski ran the 800 meters in 1:52.47, again qualifying third in his heat.

"Ryan ran well," said head coach Peter Thomas.  "He had a good burst in the mile to get third."  Regardless of finish, Widzgowski will earn All-American honors tomorrow for qualifying to the top eight in each event.

The final for the mile will take place at 1:30 pm CST, while the 800 meter final will be at 3:45 CST.  

Sophomore Lauren Markoe competed in the women's 800 and finished in 16th place, with a time of 2:19.60.  "The pace was insane to start," said Thomas.  "The leader had the first lap in 29 seconds, and Lauren was right there, but her hamstring started to cramp on the third lap."