The Herd Track and Field team is gearing up for the 2026 NCAA Championships East First Rounds in Lexington, aiming for a spot in the finals in Eugene, Oregon, starting June 10. Six athletes from the Herd—Lara Check, Cam Hamby, Ryan Muktar, Otenidi Omot, Trashaun Smith, and Gabriel Urraca—have set a program record by qualifying for the event. Each athlete will compete in their respective disciplines, showcasing noteworthy personal bests and achievements.

By the Numbers
  • Six athletes representing the Herd—most in program history.
  • Gabriel Urraca set a personal record of 18.08m in Shot Put.
  • Lara Check achieved a qualifying mark of 6.30m in Long Jump.
  • Otenidi Omot set a school record jump of 15.64m in Triple Jump.
Yes, But

While the Herd has a strong contingent, the competition will be fierce, with top athletes from across the East and West regions vying for a place in the finals.

State of Play
  • The East First Rounds begin this week at the University of Kentucky.
  • Event schedules are staggered, with athletes competing on different days.
  • This is the second consecutive NCAA First Round for Lara Check and a debut for Ryan Muktar.
What's Next

Following their performances at the East First Rounds, successful athletes will advance to compete in the NCAA Championship Finals on June 10 in Eugene, Oregon.

Bottom Line

The Herd’s record qualifications reflect its growing prowess in track and field, underscoring the potential for future successes as these athletes embark on a pivotal championship journey.