NEW ORLEANS— The Montreat College men's track & field team achieved its program-best placement in the latest edition of the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NAIA Men's Indoor Track & Field Rating Index (TFRI). According to a release from the national organization on Tuesday morning, the Cavaliers climbed up four spots to No. 8 overall, surpassing their previous-best indoor rating by one.
 
In total, the Cavs racked up 84.39 points, less than a point better than No. 9 St. Thomas (Fla.) but nearly 10 points back of No. 7 Cornerstone (Mich.). Montreat remains the top-rated Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) institution in the TFRI, and it now stands as the third-best rated South Region program.
 
Eight different performances added up to the Cavaliers' 84.39 points. Five of those efforts are currently top 10 in the NAIA, while four of them are inside the top five. Nathan Cremin owns the nation's fastest 1000m (2:21.36) and 800m (1:48.30) times, as well as the second-quickest 600m showing (1:17.67). Cremin, Jordan Pippin, Brock Lauer and Ryan Stade teamed up for the fifth-best distance medley relay mark in the NAIA (9:59.13), while Stade also contributed the association's sixth-fastest 3000m performance (8:22.55).
 
For a complete look at the USTFCCCA NAIA Men's Indoor Track & Field Rating Index, click here.
 
Select qualifiers from the Montreat College men's track & field team will compete next week at the 2026 NAIA Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships. The meet will be held from March 5-7 at Alachua County Sports & Events Center in Gainesville, Fla.