WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's and women's track & field teams head to Morgantown this weekend for the 2026 Mountain East Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships, set for April 26-28 at Mylan Park Track & Field Complex.
Coming off a strong indoor season, the Hilltoppers enter the conference meet with momentum and a roster capable of making an impact across multiple events.
"We have an opportunity to make it competitive and win some individual events and relays," said head coach Michael Trax. "We bring a mix of young and returning athletes which has led to much success this year. We want to improve on where we left off from the indoor season."
The West Liberty men's squad will be led by standout sprinter Tristin Ohler, who enters the championships ranked first in the MEC in the 200 meters and second in the 100 meters. Ohler is positioned as one of the top contenders to sweep both sprint events and will also anchor a 4x100 relay team with championship aspirations.
"He has the potential to sweep those events and also be the anchor on the 4x100 relay that has a chance to win," Trax said. "He has been putting in a lot of effort this season and it has been paying off."
In the distance events, Robert Allen will be a key contributor after posting a top-10 performance in the MEC in the 5,000 meters, while Francis Toohey and Zachary Workman give the Hilltoppers depth in the middle-distance races.
West Liberty's balance across sprints, distance, and relays could position the men to climb the team standings as the meet progresses.
On the women's side, the Hilltoppers bring confidence following a strong indoor campaign and a close-knit team dynamic that has fueled their success.
"Following the indoor season I have high expectations for the women's team," Trax said. "We had a strong showing and we want to bring that same energy to the outdoor championships. This is a very close team which is why they had success this year."
All eyes will be on the long jump, where Ky'Ara Ross looks to defend her outdoor conference title after also capturing the indoor championship. Teammate Sierra Lanham, a two-time outdoor champion (2023, 2024) and program record holder, is also poised to contend for the top spot in her final conference meet.
"All eyes will be on Ky'Ara Ross to see if she will go back-to-back outdoor champion," Trax said. "Along with Sierra, she has a chance to reclaim it before she graduates. Both work so well with each other, and it's great to see them during competition."
The duo's ability to push each other has already paid dividends, as they finished 1-2 at the indoor championships, and a similar result could be in play this weekend.
On the track, Sierra Lanham also ranks among the conference leaders in the sprints, while Brookelyn Reynolds highlights the 400-meter group after a strong outdoor season.
West Liberty will be well-positioned in multiple relay events, with several squads ranked inside the top 6 of the MEC performance lists heading into the championships.
On the men's side, the 4x100-meter relay team of Zelaski, Gianangeli, Beard, and Tristin Ohler is currently ranked 4th in the MEC (41.98) and will be in the mix for a podium finish. The Hilltoppers' 4x400-meter relay also sits 4th (3:25.07) with a lineup of Francis Toohey, Zachary Workman, Rutherford, and Niggemyer, giving West Liberty another strong scoring opportunity.
The women's relays enter the weekend in even stronger position. The 4x100-meter relay team of Scott, Ross, Davis, and Lanham holds the top time in the MEC (48.09) and will be a favorite to claim the conference title.
In the 4x400-meter relay, West Liberty is ranked 6th (4:08.37) with a group of Hunter, Rowan, Lanham, and Reynolds, a unit capable of moving up the standings with a strong performance.
Hilltoppers Ranked Top 8 in MEC Performance Lists
West Liberty will be well represented across the conference leaderboard, with multiple athletes entering the weekend ranked among the MEC's top performers.
Men
Women
Competition begins Sunday morning and runs through Tuesday at Mylan Park in Morgantown.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
