Gainesville, FL | March 5–7, 2026 — On the biggest stage in NAIA Track & Field, Nelson University's Brandon "BJ" Clark Jr. didn't just compete, he represented.
Inside the Alachua County Sports & Events Center, surrounded by the nation's top athletes, Clark stepped into the runway with confidence, composure, and purpose. The NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships brought together nearly 1,200 elite competitors from across the country, all chasing moments that define careers.
And BJ Clark delivered one of his own.
With a top mark of 14.63 meters (48' 0"), Clark secured a Top-15 finish nationally in the men's triple jump, showcasing his explosiveness and technical precision against one of the deepest fields in the country.
Competing in Flight 3, a loaded group featuring multiple All-Americans and national contenders Clark steadily built momentum across his attempts. After opening with solid marks of 14.25m and 14.06m, he found his rhythm when it mattered most, delivering a strong 14.63m leap that would stand as his best of the meet.
Against a field where the podium pushed beyond 15.60 meters, Clark held his ground and proved he belongs among the NAIA's elite.
From early-season work to national-level execution, Clark's journey embodies what Nelson Athletics is built on: growth in every phase; physical, mental, and competitive.
What's Next
The Lions return home to host the 2026 Nelson Invitational on March 20 at the Lions Athletic Complex in Waxahachie, a full day of competition featuring top programs from across the region. Field events will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by running events starting at 2:00 PM with a rolling schedule.
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.
