Harms Posts NAIA-Leading Score as Doane Shines in Heptathlon

CRETE, Neb. - Doane University's multi-event squad delivered a strong showing at the Happy Holidays Combined Events, highlighted by junior Andrew Harms, who posted a personal-best 5,133 points to win the men's heptathlon and ascend to No. 1 in the NAIA this season. His performance marks a major step forward in his pursuit of All-America honors, improving on his previous career best and showcasing one of the most complete seven-event series in school history. 

Harms opened with a 7.37 in the 60 meters before launching a lifetime-best 7.38m long jump to score 905 points—the highest single-event total of his series. He added 10.09m in the shot put and cleared a strong 2.04m in the high jump to close Day 1 with 2,991 points and the overall lead. On Day 2, Harms extended his advantage with an 8.74 clocking in the 60 hurdles, a 4.25m clearance in the pole vault, and a 3:01.50 finish in the 1000 meters to secure the title and move atop the NAIA leaderboard.

Doane placed three athletes in the top eight, reinforcing the program's depth in the multi-events. Addison Croghan finished sixth with 4,130 points behind consistent efforts across all seven events, including an 11.16m throw in the shot put and a 3.45m pole vault. Pryor Mathews added an eighth-place finish, totaling 4,024 points after strong marks in the long jump (6.15m) and hurdles (8.93). Freshman Maxwell Fiser rounded out Doane's scoring competitors, earning 3,643 points and showing early promise in his collegiate multi-event career. 

The Tigers' performances provided an encouraging early-season benchmark as they prepare for the heart of the indoor campaign. Harms' NAIA-leading score positions him as a national contender entering 2026, while Doane's overall depth signals another strong year for one of the country's top multi-event programs.

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