MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The 2026 Mid-American Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships opened Friday at Central Michigan University’s Jack Skoog Track with the Akron men surging to the top of the leaderboard with 41 points, while Kent State paced the women’s field with 40 points after a strong opening day of competition.
On the track, distance standouts set the tone early. Toledo’s Melody Jebiwot delivered a dominant performance in the women’s 5000 meters, capturing the MAC title in 16:03.46. On the men’s side, Akron’s Noah Nyageo crossed the line first in the 5000m with a winning time of 14:17.13, adding valuable points to the Zips’ team total.
Relay competition brought added excitement to the championship stage. Bowling Green claimed the women’s distance medley relay title in 11:24.61, while Eastern Michigan electrified the home crowd with a victory in the men’s DMR, clocking in at 10:04.50.
In the field events, Akron showcased its depth with multiple event titles. Brook Boes secured the women’s weight throw crown with an impressive mark of 20.84 meters, while Lane Graham followed suit in the men’s weight throw with a winning toss of 20.81 meters. The Zips also earned gold in the men’s long jump, as Jeffrey Usman soared 7.36 meters to take the title.
Miami’s Mia Boule claimed the women’s pole vault championship, clearing 3.95 meters, and UMass’ Shakira Cadet captured the women’s long jump title with a leap of 6.11 meters.
In the multi-events, Ball State’s Kenli Nettles delivered one of the most impressive performances of the day in the pentathlon. Nettles compiled 4,008 points -- the third-highest total in Cardinals history, trailing only All-Americans Jenelle Rogers (4,430 in 2024) and Charity Griffith (4,315 in 2023). With the performance, Nettles became the eighth pentathlete in MAC history to surpass the 4,000-point mark at the Conference Championships.
With one full day of competition remaining, both team races remain tightly contested as programs position themselves for a final push toward the 2026 MAC Indoor Track & Field Championship titles. Action continues Saturday at Jack Skoog Track.
Men’s Team Standings
1. Akron — 41 points
2. Kent State — 29 points
3. Eastern Michigan — 28 points
4. UMass — 14 points
5. Buffalo — 11 points
Women’s Team Standings
1. Kent State — 40 points
2. Akron — 35 points
T3. Bowling Green — 23 points
T3. UMass — 23 points
T3. Toledo — 23 points
6. Ball State — 20 points
7. Central Michigan — 19.5 points
8. Ohio — 19 points
9. Miami — 13.5 points
10. Buffalo — 8 points
11. Eastern Michigan — 7 points
12. Western Michigan — 3 points
