Wichita, Kan. | Heskett Center
The Nelson University Track & Field program opened the 2026 indoor season with authority at the Friends University First Chance Qualifier, hosted inside the Heskett Center on the campus of Wichita State University. Competing against a strong regional field, the Lions delivered a statement meet—posting one NAIA qualifier and 17 NCCAA qualifying marks while setting the tone for the indoor campaign.
The highlight of the weekend belonged to Brandon Clark, who wasted no time announcing himself on the national stage. On his first attempt in the triple jump, Clark soared 14.99 meters, surpassing the NAIA A standard, earning an NAIA and NCCAA qualifying mark, and breaking the Nelson University indoor school record. The leap capped a dominant multi-event showing that underscored Nelson's growing presence in the horizontal jumps.
Men's Highlights
Nelson's men combined speed, power, and versatility to rack up 13 NCCAA qualifiers:
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Brandon Clark – TJ 14.99m (NAIA/NCCAA Qualifier, School Record); LJ 6.85m (NCCAA)
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Jared Dotson – 60m 7.01 (NCCAA)
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Hagen Darney – 60m 7.09; LJ 6.57m (NCCAA)
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Gregory Guidry – 60m 7.17; 400m 51.17; HJ 1.86m (NCCAA)
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Jadyn Arriga – 400m 52.57 (NCCAA)
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Hudson Woods – HJ 1.81m (NCCAA)
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Jaxon Salzman – PV 3.80m (NCCAA); also 60m 7.67
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Ishmeal Ealoms – SP 13.63m; WT 14.62m (NCCAA)
Women's Highlights
The Lionesses were equally impressive, producing four NCCAA qualifiers and a school record:
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Robyn Puente – 60H 10.09 (NCCAA); 800m 2:33.19 (Indoor School Record, first open 800m)
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Kylie Adams – 3,000m 11:29.28 (NCCAA); also Mile 5:41.52
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Skylar Morris – 60H 10.02 (NCCAA); also LJ 4.35m, 60m 8.39
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Zoey Hensley – TJ 10.06m (NCCAA); also 60m 8.74
Coach's Corner
Head Coach Robert Herrera praised the team's readiness coming out of the break:
"This meet is always a fantastic opportunity for us to find our rhythm again. Our athletes stayed dedicated over the break, and that hard work was clearly on display this weekend. We're eager to get back into our collective training routine as we prepare for an exciting stretch of competition ahead."
By the Numbers
With momentum building and marks already on the board, Nelson Track & Field leaves Wichita confident and hungry ready to turn early-season success into sustained excellence as the indoor slate rolls on.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
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