The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced its third set of indoor track and field athletes of the week on January 20, 2026. Lock Haven's Jakob Rager earned the men's track honor for strong distance performances, while Kutztown's Szeplaki set records in pole vault. Slippery Rock's Allie Taylor received the women's field athlete recognition.
The PSAC recognized standout performers from recent indoor track and field meets in its weekly honors announcement. Jakob Rager of the Lock Haven Bald Eagles was named the Men's Indoor Track Athlete of the Week for his efforts at the Nittany Lion Open last weekend. He clocked 8:41.59 in the 3000m, the third-fastest time in the PSAC this season, and 4:22.09 in the mile, ranking sixth in the conference.
In men's pole vault, Kutztown University's Szeplaki claimed the top mark in NCAA Division II this season by clearing 5.30 meters (17-4.5) at the Alvernia Spring Invitational. This performance set new school and PSAC indoor records, surpassing Kutztown's previous best of 5.14m set by All-American Joe Jardine in 2024 and the conference mark of 5.24m held by Slippery Rock's Drew Layton since the 2025 NCAA DII Championships. Szeplaki, in only his second collegiate meet, outdistanced the second-place finisher by 2 feet 7.25 inches.
On the women's side, Slippery Rock pole vaulter Allie Taylor was honored as the Female Field Athlete of the Week for her showing at the YSU Collegiate Invitational. These awards highlight early-season excellence across the conference's competitive indoor season.
