ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Madigan Kelly earned a spot in the 100m hurdles finals once again and the men’s 4x400m relay team became the second Warrior relay to break a school record this week to highlight the second day of the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.
“A great day to be a Warrior, as always,” coach Mike Collins said. “Starting and ending the day with two school records and Madigan earning her way to the finals is simply outstanding at this level.”
Kelly bested her previous school record, set at the conference meet, with a time of 13.80 to win her heat of the 100m hurdles prelims. She finished fifth overall in the preliminary heats and will look to capture her third All-American honor on Friday. Making the race more impressive, she was in the first heat after a lengthy lightning delay.
“Madigan started the day with a bit of a challenge with a lightning delay, literally seconds before her heat of the hurdles,” Collins explained. “She had to show a great amount of maturity to settle down and start all over with the process of pre-race routine, then to come out and not only win her heat, but to set a school record in the process. She has come a long way, and it brings joy to all of her coaches to see her succeed at this level and in this arena.”
The men’s 4x400m relay team of Harry Lazenby, Preston Cooper, Jordan Castillo and Trenton Johnson ran the best time in school history to finish 17th overall at the meet. The group clocked a time of 3:13.70.
“Our men’s 4x400m relay capped off the day with a school record and, for those that may not realize how fast they ran, an average of just over 48 seconds per guy is what it took to do what they did,” Collins said. “Simply outstanding.”
Camille Ussher wrapped up her season with a 17th-place finish in the 800m. She crossed the line in 2:16.81. Sophomore Dawson Welliver competed in the 5,000m racewalk, but was unable to finish the race after a violation disqualified him.
“Camille and Dawson also did well,” Collins said. “Dawson actually ended up being disqualified in the racewalk for a bent knee violation, but a huge part of that was because he was working so hard to go faster than he has gone before. He has really embraced the racewalk and is already talking about it for next year. Camille also had to deal with an adjustment in the schedule due to the lightning and her nerves just took a little too much of the pop out of her legs. She ran a good time, but at the national championships, you really need to be at your best to move on. She will learn from this experience and be better for it next time.”
UP NEXT
The Warriors close out the championships on Friday with Johnson in the triple jump at 10:30 a.m. PT and Madigan Kelly in the 100m hurdle finals at 12:30 p.m. PT. Times may adjust based on weather.
“A short night of sleep for TJ (Johnson), who anchored the 4×4 before he jumps in the morning,” Collins added. “Then Madigan in the final of the hurdles, with what should end up being another All-American recognition for her.”
