ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Indiana University Kokomo track and field program is set for one of its largest national championship representations in recent history, sending six throwers and nine total event entries to the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships hosted by UNC Asheville this week in Asheville, North Carolina.
Leading the way is reigning NAIA national champion Sydney Duncan, who enters the national meet as the top seed in the women's shot put while also qualifying in both the hammer throw and discus. On the men's side, Gabe Wedmore qualified in both the hammer throw and shot put to lead a strong group of Cougar throwers competing on the national stage.
Competition begins Wednesday morning with Wedmore opening the meet in the men's hammer throw at 9:00 a.m. Wedmore enters the competition seeded ninth nationally after a breakout outdoor campaign that saw him consistently rank among the NAIA's top throwers throughout the season.
Duncan will follow Wednesday afternoon in the women's hammer throw at 12:00 p.m., entering nationals as the eighth seed in the event. The junior has continued to establish herself as one of the premier throwers in the country this season, qualifying for nationals in three separate events.
Thursday will feature a loaded day for the Cougar throwing squad, beginning with four men competing in the shot put at 1:00 p.m. Wedmore returns as the 10th seed in the event, while Isaac Ireland enters seeded 20th nationally. Evan Gaylor will compete as the 23rd seed, while Seth Ireland rounds out the quartet as the 24th seed nationally.
The women's shot put will take center stage Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m. with Duncan entering as the No. 1 overall seed in the nation after dominating the event throughout the outdoor season. Duncan owns one of the top marks in NAIA history this season and will look to add another national title to her decorated career.
Joining Duncan in the women's shot put will be freshman Mia Bustos, who qualified for her first national championship appearance and enters the meet seeded 18th nationally.
Duncan will conclude the week for the Cougars on Friday morning in the women's discus at 11:45 a.m. Entering as the fourth seed nationally, Duncan will once again contend for All-America honors while competing in her third event of the national championships.
IU Kokomo Nationals Schedule
Wednesday, May 20
- Men's Hammer Throw – 9:00 a.m.
- Women's Hammer Throw – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 21
- Men's Shot Put – 1:00 p.m.
- Women's Shot Put – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 22
- Women's Discus – 11:45 a.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following IU Kokomo Athletics on Facebook, IU Kokomo Athletics on X, and IU Kokomo Athletics on Instagram.
