Spearfish, SD - Tristan Hepp will be competing in just his third ever Heptathlon at the D2 NCAA Indoor National Championships in Birmingham, AL. He starts Friday, March 13^th at 9:00am mountain time with the 60m, long jump, shot put, and high jump. Hepp will continue on Saturday morning at 9:45am mountain time with the 60m hurdles, pole vault, and the 1000m run.

The multi event suits Hepp and the transition to it in his senior year was a natural fit.

"I've seen success in some of the major events of the heptathlon, specifically in the 60m hurdles and high jump," said Hepp. "I've always been able to pick things up quickly and Coach Mischke thought that nationals would be an achievable goal this year."

Success is an understatement for Hepp who holds multiple school records. Outdoors, he holds the school record in the 400m hurdles and 4X400m relay. Indoors he is tied for the 200m record with his brother, Taylor Hepp, was on the school record 4X400m relay, briefly held the record in the 60m hurdles this season before Seth Kovar rebroke it, was on the 2019 DMR that tied the school record, and of course, holds the record in the heptathlon.

Hepp smashed the school record in his first ever heptathlon earlier this season at USD. He would follow up at conference to earn All-RMAC, break his own school record, and guarantee his spot at the national meet.

"I really want to show appreciation to everyone who helped me and believed in me along the way this year. Especially my coaches," said Hepp.
 
Hepp is no stranger to the national meet. He was on the Distance Medley Relay team that earned All-American Honors last year after their school record tying, sixth place finish.

"I'm excited to get to compete as an individual this year, although it is a bit nerve racking, I know I'm ready," said Hepp. "Last year provided me with the experience and confidence to handle the atmosphere of this meet."

Qualifying for nationals is a lofty goal, and Hepp has done his research.

"I know in every event there is a top competitor; someone who is better than me who is going to push me. I am going to treat each event as if it was its own and look to compete against those who will bring out the best in me. My ultimate goal is to win, I'm here to compete and why compete if you don't think you can win."

The senior from Buffalo, WY is a business major graduation this spring. He doesn't have post graduation plans yet but says, "he'll go wherever god takes him."