ASHEVILLE, N.C. – IU Kokomo wrapped up competition on the men's side Thursday afternoon at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, hosted by University of North Carolina at Asheville, as four Cougar throwers competed in the shot put preliminaries.

Leading the way for IU Kokomo was Gabe Wedmore, who narrowly missed advancing to the national finals after delivering his best throw on his final attempt of prelims. One day removed from earning NAIA All-America honors in the hammer throw, Wedmore recorded a mark of 16.18 meters to finish 13th overall.

Evan Gaylor, who entered the competition as the 23rd seed, followed closely behind with a throw of 16.12 meters, finishing 14th nationally after sitting third following the opening flight of prelims.

Seth Ireland, who entered as the 24th seed, recorded a mark of 15.92 meters to finish 18th overall, while Isaac Ireland added a throw of 15.43 meters to place 22nd nationally in the event.

Thursday's competition marked the conclusion of the collegiate careers for both Gaylor and Seth Ireland, as the veteran throwers closed out their time in the crimson and black competing on the national stage.

IU Kokomo concludes another successful outdoor season with multiple national qualifiers, an All-American performance from Wedmore, and continued momentum from one of the NAIA's top throwing groups.

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