Vermillion, S.D.----The defending national champion Wingate University women's triathlon team is No. 1 in the NCAA Division II portion of the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association's October 8 top 10 poll. Wingate has been the No. 1 team in each CTCA coaches' poll listing this season.
 
When the CTCA merges Division I, Division II and Division III in one listing, Wingate is No. 6. Only NCAA Division I teams Arizona State, Arizona, San Francisco, Queens and Texas Christian are listed above the NCAA Division II Wingate Bulldogs.
 
Wingate won its first-ever title at last year's Collegiate Triathlon national championships in Clermont, Florida. The Bulldogs have had four podium placements in four tries, as Wingate finished second, third and second in its previous national championship appearances.
 
What They Are Saying
Wingate head coach Nick Radkewich
 
"The women have shown incredible depth this year. This is shown when we race different combinations and still have success. This is also exhibited in the rankings as we lead Division II, but also in maintaining a sixth-overall position for the entire regular season. As an NCAA Emerging Sport, we will compete all together when we reach Championship status. I am very proud with the way our women have taken up the challenge of competing with the Division I programs. They aren't intimidated by anyone." 
 
Next up for No. 1 Wingate University
 
Wingate will compete in the East Regionals Saturday, October 25 in Troutman, North Carolina. The Bulldogs are the three-time defending East Regional champions.
 
Wingate University
                                                
Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 17 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.
 
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CTCA NCAA Division II
Top 10 poll, October 8 edition 

1. Wingate
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Drury
4. Colorado Mesa
5. Cal Poly Humboldt
6. Black Hills State
7. Indianapolis
8. King (Tenn.)
9. Roberts Wesleyan
10. Emmanuel (Ga.)