CEDARVILLE, Ohio. --- Athletes from Wayland Baptist University delivered a strong and determined performance at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field National Championships, hosted by the National Christian College Athletic Association on February 13–14 at Doden Fieldhouse. Competing against the top programs in the nation, the Pioneers showcased depth, resilience, and championship-level effort on both the men's and women's sides.
On the men's side, senior
Case Drum led the way with a standout national title in the 400-meter dash, surging to victory in 49.27 seconds to claim 10 points for Wayland Baptist. Drum's performance was one of the premier moments of the meet and highlighted the Pioneers' strength in the sprint events. Sophomore
Marsaul Adley followed with a solid showing in the same event, while freshman
Brandon Marines competed in the 800 meters, gaining valuable championship experience. In the distance events, junior
Ethan Jonason posted a strong effort in the mile run, finishing in 4:39.15 and representing Wayland Baptist with consistency and determination.
The men's team put up an outstanding performance on the field side as well. Junior
Edmundo Avalos brought home 4
th place in the shot put with a final toss of 13.70m. Avalos also placed in the Top 10 of the weight throw with. Sophomore
Anthony Willis had a terrific showing in the triple jump, finishing with a final leap of 13.71m.
The Wayland Baptist women also made their presence felt throughout the championships in both field events and on the track. Sophomore
Mia Gray continued her outstanding indoor season by winning the national title in the shot put with a final toss of 12.86m. Gray also placed 7
th in the weight throw.
Nathaniela King earned 3
rd place in the long jump with a final leap of 5.51m, while also placing Top 10 in the triple jump.
On the track side, Freshman
Elizabeth Egwunwoke earned points in the 200 meters with an eighth-place finish, crossing the line in 26.39 seconds. In the 400 meters, freshman
Letticia Campbell placed fifth in 1:01.56, while junior
Jazmine Jackson followed closely behind. In the mile run, senior
Inmaculada Delgado turned in an impressive performance, finishing seventh in 5:19.89 and securing valuable team points.
Additional contributions came from freshman
Nathaniela King and Egwunwoke in the 60-meter dash preliminaries, as both represented the Pioneers well against a deep national field. Wayland's women continued to show growth and competitiveness, with several underclassmen gaining experience that will benefit the program in future championship meets.
Across two days of high-level competition, Wayland Baptist athletes demonstrated the program's commitment to excellence and steady development. From Drum and Gray's championship run to the emerging talent on the both rosters, the Pioneers proved they can compete with the nation's best.
The Wayland Baptist Indoor Track & Field squads will now compete in the 2026 SPC West Texas Shootout on Saturday, February 21
st, in Levelland, Texas on the campus of South Plains College. This will be their final qualifying meet for the 2026 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships.
