Six student-athletes from UT Arlington have qualified for the NCAA DI West First Round, taking place from May 27-30 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. UTA will compete in six events, featuring four men—Lucas Cano, Jayden Haynes, Abisayo Gbakinro, and Alex Kalmar—and two women—Alexis Cain and Arieanna Mcpeak. Notably, four of the qualifiers are freshmen, showcasing the program's emerging talent. Kalmar is making his second consecutive appearance, while Cano showcased stellar performances, including a victory at the Clyde Hart Classic.

By the Numbers
  • Kalmar achieved a personal-best time of 1:46.55 in the men's 800m, breaking his own record twice.
  • Cano ranks second in program history for the discus with a mark of 55.96m.
State of Play
  • The NCAA DI West First Round marks a critical opportunity for these athletes to showcase their skills on a national platform.
  • UTA's representation in the competition highlights a strong roster with significant depth and experience, particularly among freshmen.
What's Next

As the NCAA West First Round approaches, expectations are high for UTA competitors to advance to further rounds based on their strong season performances. The outcomes of these events may influence recruitment and funding for the team going forward.

Bottom Line

UTA's recent achievements underscore the potential of its track and field program, particularly among young athletes. Success at the NCAA West First Round could elevate the team's national stature and attract further investment in its future development.