Harvard University announced on May 21 that 29 of its track and field student-athletes have qualified for the NCAA East Region First Round, which will take place in Lexington, Kentucky from Wednesday, May 27 to Saturday, May 30.
This event is significant as it marks another year in which a large group of Harvard athletes advances to the first stage of the NCAA postseason. The qualifiers include both men’s and women’s team members who will compete for a chance to move on to the national championships.
The university said that 16 women and 13 men from its track and field teams will participate in the competition. The top twelve finishers in each event at this round will earn spots at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon next week. Notable participants include Tito Alofe, who is the reigning NCAA Indoor Men’s High Jump National Champion, and Ella Cooper, recognized as the Most Outstanding Women’s Track Athlete at the 2026 Ivy League Heptagonal Outdoor Championships.
Among those representing Harvard are Marta Amani (4x100m Relay, 4x400m Relay, Long Jump), Mfoniso Andrew (4x100m Relay, 4x400m Relay), Fabiola Belibi (4x100m Relay), Ella Cooper (100m, 200m, relays), Kaelin Creagh (relay events), Abigail Dennis (hurdles and relay events), Saige Forbes (relays), Tyler Glover (Shot Put), Mickaila Haisley (relay event), Lilly Hodge and Ella McRitchie (Pole Vault), Molly Malague (3000m Steeplechase), Dylan McElhinney (1500m), Jacklynn Okereke (relay event) as well as Milina Wepiwé and Nadjela Wepiwé competing in Discus Throw.
On the men’s side are Tito Alofe (High Jump); Hudson Allain; Jonas Clarke; Timi Esan; Cam Henry; LeRoy Horton; Harlow Tong; Amari Turner—all competing across sprint relays—along with Sam Burgess and Charlie Ortmans entered in distance events like the 5000m and 10,000m. Other qualifiers include Tam Gavenas (5000m); Joachim Johnson (Triple Jump); Oliver Parker (400 Hurdles).
As these athletes prepare for their upcoming competitions in Kentucky with hopes of advancing further into nationals next week in Oregon, they continue to represent Harvard’s strong tradition within collegiate athletics.
