Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

The 2026 outdoor track & field season proved to be another historic chapter for North American University as the Stallions battled against some of the top small college programs in the nation at the USCAA Track & Field National Championships in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

When the dust settled, the Stallions finished tied for 4th place nationally with 53 team points, finishing only 26 points shy of bringing home a national team trophy.

For a program that continues to grow year after year, the performance showed once again that North American University can compete with anybody on the national stage.

Leading the charge was one of the most dynamic athletes in the USCAA this season, Kegwon Palm, who earned runner-up finishes in both the Men's 400-Meter Hurdles and Men's 110-Meter Hurdles. Palm's season also extended beyond the USCAA level as he climbed into the NAIA national rankings, currently sitting at #55 in the nation — a major accomplishment considering the depth and competitiveness of NAIA track & field.
  

Palm's versatility and consistency became one of the defining stories of the Stallions' season. Whether attacking hurdles, anchoring relays, or contributing leadership points, he delivered when the moment mattered most.

The field events also became a major strength for NAU this season. Jamarric Hammond yes, Pony 5000 Mens Basketball Capt. soared to a 2nd-place national finish in the Men's High Jump, continuing his rise as one of the top jumpers in the conference. Hammond also helped power the Stallions relay squads, showcasing the athletic versatility that defined the roster throughout the year.
  
 

In the Men's Long Jump, NAU nearly doubled the podium. Jayden Jackson secured an impressive 3rd-place national finish while teammate Ethan Rodela finished right behind him in 4th place, giving the Stallions one of the strongest jump groups in the championship meet.  For these two USACC Basketball National Champions, The Gold Medals and Trophies are starting to build up on the mantel of the Athletic Departmant.
Jayden Jackson

Ethan Rodela
  
 

The speed continued on the track as the Stallions' Men's 4x100 Meter Relay team captured 4th place nationally. The relay unit of Kegwon Palm, Jamarric Hammond, Uros Bekcic, and Jayden Jackson represented the depth, chemistry, and explosive speed NAU developed throughout the season.

Several Stallions athletes earned USCAA All-American recognition through their national finishes, continuing the upward trajectory of the program under the guidance of the coaching staff and athletic administration.
 

Academically, the Stallions also proved they could dominate in the classroom as well as on the track. Nicholas Matchett was recognized as the USCAA Scholar-Athlete for the men's program, highlighting the balance of academic achievement and athletic excellence that continues to define North American University athletics.

One of the most unique elements of this year's roster was the large number of two-sport athletes competing for the Stallions. Multiple student-athletes balanced responsibilities across different athletic programs while still competing at a national level in track & field — a testament to their work ethic, toughness, and commitment to representing NAU.

As the program continues to evolve, there is an understanding that future seasons may feature fewer multi-sport athletes as programs across the department continue emphasizing year-round specialization, discipline, recovery management, and injury prevention in order to maximize long-term athletic development.

Still, for one season, this group embraced the challenge and helped elevate NAU Track & Field to one of the top finishes in the nation.

The Stallions may have finished tied for fourth on paper, but their impact across the USCAA landscape made a much louder statement — North American University Track & Field has officially arrived.