WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's and women's track & field teams opened competition at the 2026 Mountain East Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Sunday with a series of strong performances across sprints, distance events, throws, and multi-events.
West Liberty saw multiple athletes advance to finals on the track while also putting together solid opening-day showings in the decathlon and heptathlon.
Sophomore Tristin Ohler highlighted the day on the track, posting a first-place finish in the 200-meter prelims with a time of 21.03 to automatically qualify for the finals. His mark ranks No. 24 nationally in NCAA Division II this season. Freshman Dominic Gianangeli also advanced in the event, clocking a 21.78 to earn a qualifying spot.
On the women's side, Sierra Lanham and Ky'Ara Ross each secured spots in the 200-meter finals with season-best performances of 24.98 and 25.03, respectively. Kaylee Davis added a personal-best time of 26.05 in the event.
George Donovic continued the momentum on the track, qualifying for the finals in the 400-meter hurdles with a season-best time of 55.31.
In the multi-events, Reese Burnside led the way in the men's decathlon, highlighted by a first-place finish in the 400 meters (52.59, personal best) and a runner-up mark in the long jump (6.23m). He also added a personal-best throw in the shot put and sits in strong position heading into day two.
Freshman Seth Wisman turned in a well-rounded performance in the decathlon, placing third in the high jump (1.79m) while adding solid marks in the long jump and shot put. Malachi Stewart contributed across multiple events, including a season-best in the 400 meters.
On the women's side of the multi-events, Kiara Kesner competed in four heptathlon events, recording personal-best marks in the 200 meters and high jump while continuing to build momentum heading into the second day of competition.
In the field events, Sierra Davis scored points for the Hilltoppers in the hammer throw with a personal-best mark of 43.55 meters to place eighth, while Haley Norris added a season-best throw. Brooklyn Lucas also contributed points with a seventh-place finish in the javelin.
West Liberty also saw efforts from Mason Fraley in both the hammer throw and javelin, while the distance group competed in the 10,000 meters, led by Robert Allen on the men's side.
The Hilltoppers will return to action Monday for day two of the Mountain East Conference Championships Monday.
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.
