Men's Track and Field | 5/18/2026 9:29:00 PM
May 18, 2026-Throughout the month of May Emporia State Athletics will take a look at the 21 events that make up the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. This will include a look at the reigning national champion, the top ranked competitor this season, the NCAA championships record, the Welch Stadium record and any Emporia State athletes that have provisionally qualified for the national meet. Today we will feature the 3000m steeplechase.
The prelims for the men's 3000m steeplechase are set for 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 with the final scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Friday, May 22. The women will run the prelims at 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 with the final set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
As of May 12, Felix Rivet of Indianapolis has the top time for the men with a 8:40.15 at the Bryan Clay Invitational while Maria Mitchell of Lee (Tenn.) won the Gulf South Conference Championship with a time of 10:06.76 to lead the women.
Men's 3000m Steeplechase Prelims Thursday, May 21 6:40 p.m. | Finals Friday, May 22 7:15 p.m.
2025 National Champion: Titouan Le Grix, Wingate 8:47.62
2026 Top Ranked Competitor: Felix Rivet, Indianapolis 8:40.15
NCAA Championship Meet Record: Reece Smith, Northwest Missouri 8:33.64, 2022
Welch Stadium Record: Titouan Le Grix, Wingate 8:38.15, 2024 NCAA Championships
Best ESU National Finisher: Skyler Delmott, 9:39.75, 2009 12th Place
ESU School Record: David Kipelio, 8:49.94, 1989 in Finland
Women's 3000m Steeplechase Prelims Thursday, May 21 7:10 p.m. | Finals Friday, May 22 7:30 p.m.
2025 National Champion: Ava O'Connor, Adams State 10:11.14
2026 Top Ranked Competitor: Maria Mitchell, Lee 10:06.76
NCAA Championship Meet Record: Gracie Hyde, Adams State 9:36.95, 2025
Welch Stadium Record: Gracie Hyde, Adams State 9:36.95, 2025 NCAA Championships
Best ESU National Finisher: Kadri Kelve 10:22.81, 2003 National Champion
ESU School Record: Kadri Kelve 10:22.81, 2003 National Championships
Kadri Kelve won the 2003 National Championship for Emporia State with a time of 10:22.81 at SIU-Edwardsville. Skyler Delmott has the top finish for the Hornet men, running 9:39.75 to place 12th at the 2009 national championships in San Angelo, Texas.
The Hornet men won three NAIA championships in the 3000m steeplechase. Most recently David Kipelio won back to back NAIA National Championships in 1989 and 1990. He ran 9:02.58 to with the 1989 NAIA Championship at Azusa Pacific and came back the next year to win in 9:04.07 at the 1990 NAIA Championships hosted by Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas. Ireland Sloan won the Hornets first title wit a time of 9:09.1 at the 1964 NAIA Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Emporia State's Welch Stadium and Zola Witten Track will host the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. It will be the fifth time that Welch Stadium has played host to the national championships.
Welch Stadium previously served as the host site for the National Championships in 1995, 1999, 2006, and 2024 with the first meet in 1995 bringing 450 student-athletes to Emporia. The 2026 meet has 857 student-athletes entered with over 200 coaches representing 108 men's teams and 107 women's teams along with over 100 officials coming to the Flint Hills over the Memorial Day weekend.
The 2026 Championships are scheduled for May 21-23. During championship week, the NCAA Committee will come to Emporia on Monday with the first practice time available on Tuesday. Wednesday of championship week will see a variety of coaches and officials' meetings before the actual competition begins on Thursday. The meet will wrap up on Saturday evening.
After playing host to the 2024 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Emporia State was the site of the 2025 MIAA Outdoor Championships. It was the seventh time Welch Stadium has served as host of the conference championships since 1997. Welch Stadium and Witten Track are back on the schedule to host the 2027 MIAA Outdoor Championships as well.
