NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its latest polls, and the Yellow Jackets find themselves ranked 12th in the Great Lakes region and 48th in the nation for all NCAA DIII programs.

Defiance jumped two spots in the rankings from 14th to 12th in the region. The Jackets are the second highest rated team in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference despite being selected third overall in the HCAC preseason poll. The Purple and Gold totaled 78.89 points in the latest rankings.

Accounting for over half the points is junior thrower Tom Postema, who is the current three-time defending HCAC Field Athlete of the Week. Postema is currently ranked in the top ten in the nation in the shot put and weight throw events. The junior is also the new DC record holder in shot put with a distance of 54-05.50.

The Yellow Jackets are back in action on Saturday, February 11, when they travel to Westerville, Ohio for All-Ohio Championships. The meet is set to begin at 12:00 p.m.