Left as Quarter Horse Stallions… Came Back as All-American Clydesdales
From the hills of Indiana at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the North American University men's track & field team stepped onto the stage at the USCAA Track & Field National Championships 2026 and delivered a performance that shifted the trajectory of the program.
This wasn't just a trip. This was a takeover.
NAU powered its way to a historic 4th place team finish, the highest in program history, fueled by depth, discipline, and a commitment to team-first execution.
SETTING THE TONE
Every event mattered—and the Stallions answered.
From hurdles to horizontal jumps, relays to distance, NAU stacked points with consistency and confidence.
ALL-AMERICAN IMPACT
Kegwon Palm — The Standard
- Silver – 110m Hurdles
- Silver – 400m Hurdles
- 2x USCAA All-American
Palm controlled races with precision and composure, delivering two podium finishes and setting the tone for the entire squad.
Jamarric Hammond — Elevation Meets Versatility
- Silver – High Jump
- 2x USCAA All-American (Track & Basketball)
Hammond brought elite athleticism to the national stage, adding major points in the field while contributing across events.
Jayden Jackson — Points Producer
- Bronze – Long Jump
- Triple Jump scorer
- Relay contributor
Jackson's explosiveness translated directly into podium impact and critical team points.
DEPTH THAT BUILDS CHAMPIONSHIPS
This finish was built across the board:
- Men's 4x100 Relay – 4th (Season Best)
- Men's 4x400 Relay – 7th (Season Best)
- Ethan Rodela scoring in Long Jump
- Tyler Johns grinding through 5K and 10K
- Aaderius Blanks contributing in sprints and middle distance
And then there's Nicholas Matchett—the definition of team-first. From the 400m to the 800m to stepping into the shot put, he brought experience and effort wherever it was needed.
Uros Bekcic Continued his development in the sprint group with a personal best in the 200m, showing consistency and growth on the national stage.
Jason Reeves
Gained valuable championship experience competing across events, continuing to build toward future impact for the program.
Aaderius Blanks
Delivered a personal best in the 800m while contributing in the 400m, adding needed depth in the middle-distance group.
Ethan Rodela
Provided key contributions in both sprints and field events, highlighted by a scoring performance in the long jump that added crucial team points.
That's how programs rise.
MORE THAN MEDALS — MEN'S RESULTS
TRACK EVENTS
100m | 12 Jackson 11.42 | 14 Hammond 11.47 PB | 17 Bekcic 11.69 | 20 Rodela 11.82 PB | Palm DQ
200m | 19 Jackson 24.15 | 21 Bekcic 24.55 PB | 28 Matchett 25.08 | 36 Reeves 26.15
400m | 16 Matchett 56.68 | 18 Reeves 58.11 PB | 19 Blanks 58.29
400m Hurdles | 2 Palm 58.73 PB (8 pts) | Reeves DNF
800m | 13 Blanks 2:18.76 PB | 22 Matchett 2:56.90
1500m | 17 Johns 4:53.84 PB | 21 Hammond 5:38.60
5000m | 11 Johns 20:36.26
10000m | 7 Johns 40:28.01 (2 pts)
110m Hurdles | 2 Palm 15.21 (8 pts)
FIELD EVENTS
High Jump | 2 Hammond 1.75m (8 pts) | Rodela NH
Long Jump | 3 Jackson 6.49m (6 pts) | 4 Rodela 6.44m (5 pts) | 14 Hammond | 22 Blanks
Triple Jump | 4 Jackson 12.49m (5 pts) | 5 Palm 12.44m (4 pts)
Shot Put | 16 Matchett 8.70m
RELAYS
4x100 | 4th 44.37 SB (5 pts)
4x400 | 7th 3:45.06 SB (2 pts)
PROGRAM IDENTITY
This group didn't just compete—they represented.
They've been a walking billboard for NAU, showing future student-athletes what it means to compete with discipline, energy, and purpose.
From All-Academic recognition to multi-event sacrifice, this team embodies the NAIA standard of Champions of Character.
THE TAKEAWAY
A historic finish.
A united roster.
A program on the rise.
The NAU men didn't just make noise—they made a statement.
Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson
Gallery: (4-27-2026) 2026 USCAA Championship Meet
