For the first time in history, collegiate track and field's highest honor has three Red Raiders on its watch list. The Bowerman released Thursday its mid-indoor watch list and included Monae' Nichols, Ruth Usoro and Takieddine Hedeilli.

"What a great honor for these athletes to be in the running for the highest track and field honor in the NCAA," said head coach Wes Kittley. "I'm so proud of them for their performances so early in the year. I can't wait to see them complete their indoor seasons and take it right into outdoor. An honor that is well deserved for all of them."
 
Usoro broke the Nigerian record with the NCAA's second-longest triple jump ever, landing an absurd mark of 46'-10.25" (14.28m) at the Corky Classic. Shortly thereafter, the new world leader in the triple hopped into a tie for third in the long jump with a mark of 21'-4.25" (6.51m). The triple mark would top the school record she set last year by over two feet. At 68'-2.5" (20.79m), Usoro's total jumps distance would come out to be greater than any female in NCAA history has recorded in one day. Usoro's triple mark currently stands tied for third in the world, with her long jump counting 19th.
 
"I really don't know what to say except that I know it can only be God," said Usoro. "I'm still digesting the news and I pray anyone else that has been hoping for something like this will also get it."
 
Nichols became the fifth Red Raider of the season to take over as world leader in an event at the Red Raider Invitational. Her monstrous mark of 22'-1.75" (6.75m) came on her third jump of the day, downing the school record and Sports Performance Facility record as well. With the leap, she upped her career best by a full foot with the jump. In addition to placing her at the top of the world leaderboard, her mark also counted as the 11th-best performance in NCAA history. Her mark currently stands third in the world and top in the NCAA. 
 
"I really don't know how to feel," Nichols said. "I never thought I would be recognized like this. It's been an exciting start to the season and I'm even more excited to see how it continues."

Hedeilli's inclusion on the list also comes as no surprise. Hedeilli began his indoor campaign by taking the world lead in the 800m. His 1:45.98 counted as the 10th-fastest time in NCAA history and broke the national record of his home country of Algeria. Last week, he ran sub-four in the mile for the second time in his career at an American Track League meet in Arkansas. Hedeilli's 3:56.79 placed him third in both the world and NCAA. 

The Bowerman's watch list will be updated on March 3 going into the NCAA Indoor Championships.