MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The Akron Zips captured the 2026 MAC Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championship at Central Michigan University’s Jack Skoog Track. The victory marks the Zips' second-straight title as well as their 10th overall crown in program history, capping off a team effort that featured strong performances across multiple events. Head coach Kendra Reimer-Gonzales was recognized for Akron’s success, earning MAC Coach of the Year honors.
Kent State Golden Flashes’ Ayden Bath made his presence felt in the multi-events, claiming the heptathlon title with 5,596 points. Akron’s Mason Birch secured the high jump title with a clearance of 2.08m, while teammate Jeffrey Usman took home the long jump crown with a mark of 7.36m. Eastern Michigan Eagles’ Gabriel Oliveria added a victory in the triple jump with a mark of 15.30m.
The Zips made a statement in the field events as Owen Wendl claimed the shot put title with a throw of 18.18m. Isaac Baltic won the pole vault with a clearance of 5.30m, and Lane Graham captured the weight throw with a top mark of 20.81m.
On the track, Eastern Michigan’s Kian Wiles claimed the mile title for the second year in a row with a time of 4:07.31, while Buffalo Bulls’ Michael Parks won the 60m hurdles in 7.83 for his second consecutive title in the event. Akron’s Andrew Styles led the way in the 400m, winning in 47.99, while Kent State’s Sean Callahan Jr. powered through to take the 60m title in 6.68. Wiles also delivered a strong run in the 800m, clocking 1:52.47, while Styles added the 200m crown with a winning time of 21.67.
Kent State’s Baidy Ba claimed the 3000m title in 8:08.37, while the Zips got another standout performance from Noah Nyageo, who won the 5000m in 14:17.13. The 4x400 relay closed out the meet in style, with Akron’s team of Braylyn Farrington, AJ Jordan, Tayven Crump and Andrew Styles crossing the line in 3:16.25 to seal the team championship.
Akron’s Andrew Styles was honored as the MAC Men’s Most Valuable Performer while Noah Nyage earned Freshman Track Performer of the Year, solidifying an unforgettable meet for the Zips.
2026 MAC Men’s Indoor Track & Field Coach of the Year: Kendra Reimer-Gonzales, Akron
2026 MAC Men’s Indoor Track & Field Most Valuable Performer: Andrew Styles, Akron
2026 MAC Men’s Indoor Freshman Track Performer of the Year: Noah Nyage, Akron
2026 MAC Men’s Indoor Freshman Field Co-Performer of the Year: Dominic Weatherly, Buffalo
2026 MAC Men’s Indoor Freshman Field Co-Performer of the Year: Sam Vesperman, Eastern Michigan
Men's Team Standings
1. Akron -- 169 points
2. Kent State -- 141 points
3. Eastern Michigan -- 98 points
4. Buffalo -- 64 points
5. UMass – 53 points
