CEDARVILLE, Ohio – In a historic weekend for a first-year program, the Carolina University Men's Track & Field team made an immediate impact on the national stage as multiple Bruins qualified and competed at the NCCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, hosted February 13–14 at Cedarville University.
Under the direction of Head Coach Caleb Thornburg, Carolina University delivered a statement performance in its inaugural season, highlighted by a national championship and multiple podium finishes in the men's high jump.
Day one of the championships saw the Bruins set the tone early. Freshman standout Lamine Diop entered competition in strong form, recording a personal best clearance of 1.90 meters. Teammate Jaylen Killens-McIntyre followed with an impressive personal best of 1.80 meters, signaling Carolina University's arrival on the national scene.
When the event finals concluded, the Bruins had done far more than just participate—they made history.
Carolina University captured two of the top three finishes in the first scored event of the 2026 NCCAA Men's Indoor Track & Field National Championships. Diop rose above the field to win the men's high jump national title, clearing 1.95 meters and standing as the only athlete in the competition to surpass the mark. After Dallas Turner of Columbia International was unable to convert on his three attempts at 1.95 meters, Diop secured the gold medal outright.
Killens-McIntyre added to the milestone moment, earning a third-place finish with a clearance of 1.85 meters to join his teammate on the podium.
Diop's victory marks a landmark achievement for the Bruins, as he becomes Carolina University Track & Field's first individual national champion in program history.
Head Coach Caleb Thornburg Quote:
"I couldn't be more proud of how our guys competed this weekend. For a first-year program to step onto the national stage and not only perform well but produce a national champion is incredibly special. Lamine's focus and determination were outstanding, and Jaylen stepping onto the podium alongside him shows the depth and belief we're building. This weekend was a huge step forward for our program and a glimpse of what's ahead for Carolina University Track & Field."
