RIO GRANDE, Ohio. - The IU Kokomo women's track and field team placed fourth at the 2026 River States Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships over the weekend, led by the nation's top thrower, Sydney Duncan, who won three events with all three performances meeting NAIA "A" or "B" standards.

FAST FACTS - River States Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships

• LOCATION: Stockmeister Track & Field Complex | Rio Grande, Ohio
• NAIA TOP 25 RANKINGS: IU Kokomo: N/A

THE RUNDOWN

• Sydney Duncan put together one of the most dominant weekends in program history, winning three conference titles once again while earning RSC Field Athlete of the Year honors. She won the shot put with a conference record mark while hitting the NAIA A standard, captured the discus title with a conference record while hitting the NAIA B standard, and won the hammer throw with a school-record and conference-record mark, also hitting the NAIA A standard.
• Paige Brooks, Leslie Sprankles, Erica Grubbs, and Mia Castillo won the 4x400 relay with a school-record and conference-record time, earning All-Conference honors.
• Mia Castillo broke the school record in the 400m and added a top-three all-time mark in the 100m.
• Leslie Sprankles, Courtney Adams, Kaytlin Moeller, and Erica Grubbs earned All-Conference honors in the 4x800 relay with the second-best mark in program history.
• Rebekah Ankrum earned All-Conference honors in the triple jump and added a top-three mark in program history in both the triple jump and long jump.
• Mia Bustos earned All-Conference honors in the shot put.
• Mia Castillo, Mia Catey, Paige Leslie, and Rebekah Ankrum recorded the third-best mark in program history in the 4x100 relay.
• Alysha Crouch posted a top-three mark in program history in the 10,000m.
• Kaylee Futrell posted the second-best mark in program history in the pole vault.
• Olivia Newcom recorded a top-five mark in program history in the shot put.
• For full results from the 2026 River States Conference Track & Field Championships, click HERE.

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

• "We had a very successful day by our women's team. We would have liked to finish higher in the team standings but our individuals and relay teams did a phenonemal job.  Although many are done with their season, others are continuing on to compete in a last chance meet and or nationals. Our senior women have left a legacy that will resonate for a long time and we really appreciate all of their time and effort they put in to IUK Women's Cross Country and Track and Field: Leslie Sprankles, Rachel Eby, Faith Rock, Olivia Newcom, Mia Catey, Elise Vandeventer, and Joy McDivitt." - Head Coach Josh Colvin

THE ROAD AHEAD 

• The Cougars now turn their focus to last chance meets this weekend, with several student-athletes aiming to hit NAIA "A" or "B" standards to qualify for the 2026 Outdoor National Championships.

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 @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.