Pacific Index

Track and Field season wrapping up for the year

   As the season approaches its final stretch, our Pacific University men’s and women’s track and field teams are closing out a year that can be defined as steady progress, emerging talent, and notable individual performances. The Boxers have used the 2026 season to build depth while also seeing several athletes take major steps forward as a unit. Throughout the indoor and outdoor portions of the season, Pacific has shown growth across multiple events. From sprints to distance and throws, the Boxers have stressed development and consistency. This strategy is beginning to show results as the conference championship meets approach.

   Depth has been a major factor this year on the men’s side, where a mix of seniors, juniors, and freshmen have contributed across events. Athletes such as Aaron Brewer (distance), Benjamin Christianson (throws), and Brody Bantolina (sprints) have helped navigate the team while providing stability in their respective groups. Other athletes like Kamron Shields (sprints), and Mikell Adler (Hurdles) have shown growth throughout the season while breaking multiple school records. Finally on the men’s side freshman like Kevin Ilano (throws), and Zacc Barnett-Grizzell have definitely shown flashes in their very early collegiate careers.

   On the women’s side, continued development from returning runners and multi-event athletes has helped the Boxers remain competitive, especially in sprint and middle-distance events. Ally Hammond (sprints and hurdles) has continued her dominance on the track by keeping her streak of being a 4x All-American, breaking multiple school records in both sprints and hurdles, and finally being named indoor track and field athlete of the year. Young talent like Cadence Schedlbauer (pole vault), and Dani Hammond (multis) have put in the work and have both broken school records. Finally All-Region athletes like Ria Gill (distance), Shaeli Sikes(throws), and the distance medley relay squad; Morgan Boddy, Megan Feitz, Lauren Ortega, and Ali Heinly have all made their mark on the team.

   As the season nears its conclusion, the role of seniors has become even more significant. Veterans like Aaron Brewer and Benjamin Christianson on the men’s side have helped guide younger teammates through the demands of the season, setting the tone in both their training and competition. Their leadership extends beyond just results, providing experience in high pressure situations, helping the team maintain focus during long meets, and holding up the team’s competitive mindset. This influence has been critical as the Boxers prepare for their final meets of the season soon.

   With conference championships and final qualifying meets approaching, Pacific is entering the most important phase of its season. The emphasis now changes to peaking at the right time, converting strong performances into top finishes, not dying out too early, and potentially qualifying athletes for postseason opportunities.

    The combination of breakout performances, senior influence, and continued improvement has positioned both the men’s and women’s teams to finish the season on a high note. While the Boxers may still be building toward consistent conference contention as the last meets come up, the progress shown this year provides a strong foundation. As the final races and field events unfold, Pacific University’s track and field teams will look to turn a season of growth into a strong finish while also carrying that momentum into the future.