Four members of Northern Kentucky University’s track and field team have been honored on the Horizon League’s All-Academic Team for the 2026 outdoor season: Colton O'Hara, Cameron Bittermann, Sierra Kendall, and Olivia Kennedy. This recognition acknowledges their balance of athletic success and academic excellence. O'Hara, a standout distance runner, achieved the top times in the Horizon League for both the 5000m and 10,000m events. Bittermann successfully defended her titles in the 200m and 400m events during the outdoor championships, while Kendall and Kennedy made significant contributions to their relay team and individual races.

By the Numbers
  • Colton O'Hara: Running times of 14:06.71 (5K) and 29:48.77 (10K) in 2026.
  • Both Sierra Kendall and Cameron Bittermann were Horizon League champions in their respective events.
Yes, But

While these athletes excel academically and athletically, the pressure to maintain high performance in both realms can lead to burnout and stress, challenging their ability to balance commitments effectively.

State of Play
  • All four honored athletes graduated in 2026 with degrees in fields including Information Systems, Nursing, Radiation Therapy, and Biological Sciences.
  • O'Hara and Kennedy are set to enter prestigious roles in their respective industries.
What's Next

These athletes will likely continue to represent NKU in their professional careers while contributing to their fields. Their achievements could shape future recruitment strategies for the university's track and field program, enhancing its profile.

Bottom Line

The success of the four Norse track and field athletes exemplifies the ideal balance of academic prowess and athletic achievement, highlighting Northern Kentucky University’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.