The Kansas State track and field program is set to make a major statement on the national stage this week, sending 21 athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, at the historic Hayward Field. The competition runs from Wednesday, June 10 through Saturday, June 13, and features one of the largest contingents in program history, highlighted by a record 14 men and seven women qualifying for the meet.
This year’s qualification marks a significant milestone for the Wildcats, who continue to elevate their national presence under strong performances across multiple disciplines. The men’s squad leads the way with representation across six events, while the women will compete in four events, showcasing the program’s depth and balance.
The men’s lineup includes standout athletes such as Aaron Antoine, Dorian Charles, Tah Chikomba, Croix DaCunha, Apalos Edwards, Riley Marx, Gary Moore Jr., Selva Prabhu, Uroy Ryan, and Emil Uhlin, along with the men’s 4×400 relay team. On the women’s side, Aaliyah Lindsay, Vanessa Mercera, Destini Smith, Daniela Wamokpego, and the women’s 4×400 relay squad will carry the program’s hopes in their respective events.
Several Wildcats are returning to the national stage, including six athletes making consecutive appearances at the outdoor championships. Additionally, seven freshmen are part of the traveling squad, signaling a strong pipeline of young talent within the program. Seven competitors are also doubling back from the NCAA Indoor Championships earlier this season, further highlighting their consistency at the elite level.
One of the biggest names entering the championship is Tah Chikomba, who leads the Wildcats’ jumps group following a historic performance at the NCAA West Preliminary. His wind-assisted 8.75m leap not only topped the collegiate rankings but also placed him among the top performances in world history. Chikomba, who recently earned a spot on The Bowerman watch list, enters Eugene as one of the most dangerous triple jump competitors in the field after capturing the Big 12 title earlier this season and setting a new Kansas State outdoor record.
On the women’s side, Daniela Wamokpego returns as a proven national champion after winning gold during the indoor season. She currently ranks among the top three in the NCAA with a 13.77m triple jump, making her one of the favorites to contend for another podium finish. Her consistency has positioned her as one of the Wildcats’ most reliable scoring threats.
Vanessa Mercera also enters the championships in strong form, making her first NCAA Outdoor Championship appearance. The senior hurdler has posted one of the fastest 400-meter hurdle times in the nation at 55.39 seconds, a mark that earned her a Big 12 title and set a new school record. She also plays a key role in the Wildcats’ 4×400 relay team as a frequent anchor leg.
In the triple jump, Selva Prabhu continues to be a standout performer, holding one of the top wind-legal marks in the NCAA this season. His consistent performances, including a runner-up finish at the West Prelims and a Big 12 title earlier in the year, have cemented him as a key scoring threat for Kansas State.
The decathlon group also brings strong depth, with both Emil Uhlin and Dorian Charles competing. Uhlin returns for another national appearance after earning First Team All-America honors last season, while Charles has emerged as one of the program’s rising stars following a runner-up finish at the Big 12 Championships and a top-10 all-time program performance.
In the javelin, Riley Marx continues his strong run of form after breaking the school record earlier this season and finishing third at the NCAA first round. Gary Moore Jr. also enters the hammer throw competition after a strong runner-up finish at the conference level.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats’ relay squads add another layer of excitement. Both the men’s and women’s 4×400 teams have qualified for nationals for the first time since 2022. The women’s team made headlines by breaking a long-standing school record, while the men’s squad enters with one of its strongest lineups in recent years.
The Wildcats’ depth across sprints, jumps, throws, and combined events has also been reflected in national rankings, with the men’s team sitting inside the top 15 nationally and the women positioned within the top 30.
As competition begins, Kansas State will aim to convert its strong qualification numbers into national podium finishes, building on a season already defined by record-breaking performances and rising expectations. With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging freshmen talent, the Wildcats enter Eugene as one of the most well-rounded squads in program history.
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