EMPORIA, Kan. - Eastern New Mexico track & field heads out to compete at the 2026 NCAA DII Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Emporia, Kan. Andre Smikle and Kennedy Ulmer will represent the Greyhounds at the championship meet.
 
"Andre and Kennedy have put in the kind of work nobody sees when the lights aren't on," commented assistant throws coach Sinclair Pitts. "Early mornings, long training sessions, technical adjustments, and constant competition with themselves" Pitts continued.
 
"I am proud of the work coach Pitts has done with these athletes and the progress they have shown," head coach Joshua Harden commented. "To compete at the meet is not a small task, only 22 athletes throughout the country make it here in this event. That's a testament to the work my coaches and athletes have put in this season." Harden continued.
 
Smikle solidified his spot in the discus in the national championship at the final meet of the season with a toss of 54.71 meters. The Arizona native sits 12^th in the field of 22 competitors.
 
Ulmer ranks ninth out of a 22-competitor field in the discus with a mark of 50.92 meters that she threw most recently at the LSC Outdoor Championships. The Rio Rancho native owns the school record in the discus as this marks the second time in her collegiate career competing at the national stage.
 
"I'm proud of the growth both have made this season, and I am excited to watch them represent ENMU this weekend at the highest level."
 
The championships will be held May 21-23 by host Emporia State at the Welch Stadium. Smikle will compete on Friday, May 22, at 12:30 p.m. (MT)  while Ulmer will compete right after at 3:30 p.m. (MT).
 
"I am excited to watch them compete this Friday," Harden added.
 
Live stream of all events can be found at NCAA.com.