BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Indoor Track and Field has earned a tie for 12^th place in this year's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. Additionally, Maggie McCarthy and Trista Bilden have been named Preseason Athletes to Watch.
 
Last March, the Beavers finished the NSIC Indoor Track and Field Championship in 12^th with points coming from, then senior thrower, Mikenna Pattrin earning seventh in weight throw and fifth in shot put. The team moved up to 11^th in the spring outdoor championships.
 
"This team has a new look to them," said Head Coach Mike Lynch. "Great energy and willing to put the work in. We have been all leaning into accountability as a team from coaches to athletes, and I believe that's going to take us to new heights this season! Fun group to be around and they put the work in to do great things!"
 
Senior distance runner Maggie McCarthy earned the track athlete to watch nod after a record-breaking cross-country season. Last indoor season, McCarthy set a personal best in the mile, marking a time of 5:17.94 at the University of North Dakota Tune up in late February. She then set her best in the 3,000-meter run at the NSIC Indoor Championships with a time of 10:25.33 on February 28, 2025. 
 
"Maggie is heading into her senior year with the drive and passion to do great things," said Coach Lynch. "I believe Maggie has what it takes to leave her mark in the NSIC! She is coming of an amazing cross-country season which should set her up for a great start to indoor. Always fun to watch her compete and I can't wait to see what she does this indoor season."
 
Trista Bilden enters her sophomore season this winter after starting strong in the indoor and outdoor seasons last year. This past January, Bilden grabbed her personal best in the indoor shot put at 12.07 meters during the Cobber Indoor Open. She also grabbed a PR in the weight throw at the St. Cloud State University X Bemidji State University Battle for the Paddle last December with a distance of 11.83 meters. Bilden also competed in the outdoor portion of the season last year, competing in shot put, discus and javelin. She earned a PR in javelin at the NSIC Outdoor Championships with a distance of 38.02 meters. 
 
"Trista is a returning point scorer in the NSIC and is looking to grow in the conference," said Coach Lynch. "She is a tough competitor with a drive to be the very version of herself day in and day out! Her hard work will do the talking in the end of February."
 
The Beavers kick off their season next week at the Dakota Alumni Classic, hosted by North Dakota State University Thursday. Looking ahead to the NSIC Championships, the meet will be hosted by Minnesota State University Mankato on February 27 and 28 in Mankato, Minn. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Track and Field program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversXCTF), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversXC).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).