MUNCIE, Ind. – Day One of the 2026 Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships got underway Friday at Briner Sports Complex, as eight conference champions were crowned to open the weekend. After the opening day of competition, Akron leads both team standings with 59 points on the men’s side and 60.5 points in the women’s standings.

Kent State’s Kristen Jay successfully defended her MAC title in the women’s javelin with a winning throw of 49.73 meters.

UMass earned its first MAC Outdoor championship event title in program history as Hunter Camara captured the men’s javelin crown with a mark of 63.18 meters.

Miami's Mia Boule cleared 4.22 meters to win the women’s pole vault and give the RedHawks an early boost in the team standings.

Akron continued its strong tradition in the pole vault, sweeping the men’s event as Garrett Boe, Kaden Rambatt and Issac Baltic each cleared 4.87 meters to share the MAC championship.

The Zips also found success in the throwing events. Owen Wendl claimed the men’s discus title with a throw of 57.33 meters, while Gabrielle Griffiths won the women’s hammer throw at 59.58 meters.

Friday’s distance events closed out the evening, with Akron’s Mercy Jebitok winning the women’s 10,000m run in 33:11.90, while UMass added another title later in the night as Collin Catherwood captured the men’s 10,000m championship in 29:35.60.

Competition continues Saturday at Briner Sports Complex in Muncie. For more information, please visit the MAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship page located HERE

Women’s Team Standings
1. Akron – 60.5
2. Miami – 29
3. Kent State – 19.5
4. Ohio – 13
T5. UMass – 8
T5. Toledo – 8
6. Western Michigan – 5
T8. Central Michigan – 3
T8. Buffalo – 3
T10. Eastern Michigan – 2
T10. Ball State – 2
T10. Bowling Green – 2
13. Northern Illinois – 1

Men’s Team Standings
1. Akron – 59
2. UMass – 25
3. Kent State – 23
T4. Miami (Ohio) – 21
T4. Eastern Michigan – 21
6. Buffalo – 7