The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) track and field team opened the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships with multiple All-America honors. Redshirt sophomore Josiah Billington earned First Team All-America status in men's long jump, finishing eighth with a leap of 7.29m. UCCS's men's team scored 1 point, placing 20th in the standings, while the women's team did not score on day one. Other standout performances included Second Team All-America accolades for senior Michael Roberts in the men's hammer throw and a strong showing from freshman Kate Henderson in the women's 3,000m steeplechase.

By the Numbers
  • Billington's long jump of 7.29m placed him eighth and earned 1 point for UCCS.
  • Roberts finished 11th in men's hammer throw with a toss of 62.71m.
  • Henderson's time of 10:34.59 was the top in heat two of the women's 3,000m steeplechase.
State of Play
  • Day one results: UCCS men's team in 20th place after 3 of 21 total events.
  • Billington is the second UCCS athlete to achieve All-America honors in men's long jump.
  • Several athletes qualified for finals to compete on day two, including Henderson and Impellitteri.
What's Next

Looking ahead to day two, Evan Atkin will kick off the events in the men's decathlon with the 110m hurdles. Athletes like Henderson and Impellitteri will aim to capitalize on their qualifying positions for potential podium finishes.

Bottom Line

UCCS demonstrated strong performances on day one of the championships, with key athletes earning accolades. The team's depth and emerging talents bode well for continued success as they head into the final events of the competition.