Overview
The Lindenwood track and field teams competed at the 2018 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships in Pittsburg, Kan. this weekend. Ariel Jackson won the 200m national championship, the first national title for the track and field program at the NCAA level. Jackson's points helped the women's track and field team come in 17th overall, the highest finish for the women at the indoor nationals.
 
Women's 200m
Ariel Jackson came into the 200m as the favorite after being the only runner to break 24 seconds prior to nationals, and she was able to capture the first NCAA individual national title for Lindenwood. She ran a prelim time of 24.02, which was the second-fastest of the day. Her mark was 0.06 seconds shy of the first-place finisher.

In the finals, she completed the race in 23.70. She won the competition by 0.10 seconds over Roberts Wesleyan's Chelsea Hayward. Two other MIAA runners were also in the finals. Jackson, who also won the MIAA title in the event, established a new school record in the event earlier this season, and she lowered that mark with 
 
Women's 60m
Jackson just missed qualifying for the finals in a second event when she finished ninth in the 60m with a time of 7.51, just 0.02 shy of the final spot. She set a new school record in the event and earned second-team All-American status.
 
Women's 60m Hurdles
A second Lady Lions performer also earned second-team All-American honors. Erin Hodge competed in nationals for the first time and finished 12th in the 60m hurdles. She ran a season-best time of 8.59 and finished just 0.05 out of eighth-place. Her mark was the second-fastest in Lindenwood history.
 
Men's Long Jump
Michael Mlambo competed in the long jump competition after advancing to his third national event, including his first indoor nationals. His best jump on the day came on his first attempt when he had a mark of 5.90. He had a mark of 5.89 on his second jump, and fouled on his final attempt. Mlambo finished 17th overall.