A program-record six Marshall Track & Field athletes, including a record five men, have qualified for the 2026 NCAA Championships East First Round next week in Lexington at the University of Kentucky.
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Lara Check will represent the Marshall women in Long Jump. Cam Hamby, Ryan Muktar, Otenidi Omot, Trashaun Smith and Garbriel Urraca are the five men who have set a qualifying mark for the East First Round.
“I am proud of this group and what they have accomplished,” said Director Keith Roberts. “While each and every one of them possess an exceptional amount of talent, it is their work ethic and mentality that ultimately landed them a spot among the nation’s elite. Each one of them achieved their lifetime best to solidify their spot in the NCAA Championships First Round.”
“Just over 5% of Division I student-athletes are selected to the NCAA First Round,” said Coach Roberts. “For Marshall to have 6 student athletes represent our university is phenomenal. I couldn’t be more proud of this group and their coaches and their teammates who helped push them throughout the season. It’s exciting to keep the season rolling into the NCAA Championships.”
Lara Check, the Sun Belt Conference Champion in Long Jump in both indoor and outdoor season, has qualified with her personal record mark of 6.30m. She is ranked 22nd in the NCAA East Region. This year will mark the second-consecutive season Check has qualified for the NCAA Championships.
The trio of Otenidi Omot (25th), Cam Hamby (30th), and Trashaun Smith (41st) have qualified in Long Jump. All three have surpassed a 1996 school record in the event this season; all three set personal records at the SBC Championships last week.
Sophomore Ryan Muktar has advanced in High Jump. The Beckley native is ranked 33rd in the East Region with his 2.12m jump at the Charlotte Invitational in April.
Additionally, SBC All-Conference member Gabriel Urraca is ranked 36th in the East Region in Shot Put, with his podium-earning 18.08m throw qualifying him for the event.