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Vincennes University

Granger Claims National Title as Trailblazers Close Outdoor Season

Granger Claims National Title as Trailblazers Close Outdoor Season
Results
May 16, 2026

HOBBS, N.M. — Vincennes University Men's and Women's Track and Field wrapped up the 2026 outdoor season May 14–16 at the NJCAA Outdoor National Championships, hosted by New Mexico Junior College, as the Trailblazers battled extreme heat and wind while producing an individual national champion and multiple All-American performances.

The VU women finished 14th overall with 28 points, while the men placed 23rd nationally. First-year Head Coach Michael Mangan praised the effort of the Trailblazers throughout the three-day meet. "Our kids fought hard in very tough conditions that we don't normally see during the season," Mangan said. "The gusty winds and temperatures in the mid-90s made it challenging across every event, but I was proud of how our athletes competed."

Women

The women's team was highlighted by a national championship performance from freshman Kapri Granger, who captured the pole vault title with a personal-best clearance of 3.86 meters to earn First Team All-American honors. Granger's victory also extended VU's streak to three consecutive outdoor national championships in the women's pole vault and six titles over the last eight NJCAA national championship meets, including indoor and outdoor competition.

Mangan praised Granger's composure and consistency throughout the competition. "Kapri was outstanding," Mangan said. "Her willingness to trust the process and focus solely on performing really separates her. She and Coach Herb (Assistant Coach-Pole Vault) have done an incredible job together, and it's exciting to see her bring another national title to VU."

Freshman McKenna Poyser narrowly missed All-American honors in the same event, finishing ninth overall with a personal-best 3.31 meters.

Freshman Ikram Dorai turned in two All-American performances in the distance events, finishing fourth in the 10,000 meters in 37:35.32 and fifth in the 5000 meters in 18:11.89. Freshman Elizabeth Smith added an 11th-place finish in the 5000 meters in 19:32.48 and placed 12th in the 10,000 meters in 40:37.51, while sophomore Alexis Hale finished 16th in the 10,000 meters in 44:20.48.

Distance Coach Tyler Steigenga praised the women's distance group for handling some of the harshest conditions of the meet. "The 10K races were probably the most manageable conditions we saw all weekend, but they were still extremely tough," Steigenga said. "Ikram raced patiently both days and put herself in position for two All-American finishes. Liz competed well against strong fields, and Alexis showed toughness battling through difficult conditions to finish out her VU career."

In the 1500 meters, sophomore Sarra Belgacem narrowly missed qualifying for the finals after running 5:03.88 in the prelims, while freshman Madison Senne posted a time of 5:09.57 in her first national championship appearance. "Sara just missed advancing, and Madison gained valuable experience competing at this level," Steigenga said. "Madison has raised her expectations tremendously this season, and this meet will help her moving forward."

Freshman Elena Gabellini earned All-American honors in the hammer throw, placing sixth overall with a mark of 50.20 meters. "Elena struggled early but found her rhythm when it mattered," Mangan said. "To battle back and earn All-American honors on that stage was a huge accomplishment."

Freshman Greer Hardin recorded a collegiate-best 1.59 meters in the high jump, finishing 11th overall and narrowly missing All-American honors. Freshman Brielle Seiler also competed in the 400-meter hurdles, running 1:05.76 in the prelims.

Men

Freshman Iheb Slimani led the way for the Trailblazers, earning All-American honors in the 1500 meters with a third-place finish in 4:02.79 after posting the fastest preliminary time of 3:51.02. Sophomore Anis Abdaoui also advanced to the final, finishing 10th overall in 4:06.56 after running 3:56.23 in the prelims.

Steigenga said the championship-style race created a challenging tactical battle. "We expected a tactical race because of the conditions and strong winds, and that's exactly what it became," Steigenga said. "Iheb stayed near the front throughout and gave himself a chance late, while Anis battled in the middle of the pack and came up just outside the medals. It was disappointing not to finish higher, but it also shows how much this group has grown that we're disappointed with a third-place finish at nationals."

Slimani later returned in the 5000 meters, finishing 12th overall in 15:29.14 after competing in the 1500-meter final earlier in the day. Abdaoui and freshman Youssef Dridi also competed in the event before recording DNFs in difficult conditions.

Steigenga credited the group's effort despite the demanding schedule and weather. "The distance races were extremely difficult this weekend, and the conditions affected every event," Steigenga said. "Iheb and Anis came back just a couple hours after the 1500 final and still gave the 5000 a shot. They competed hard all weekend."

Sophomore Lane Connaway added a 16th-place finish in the 10,000 meters with a time of 36:15.73.

In the field events, freshman Nate Robertson narrowly missed the finals in the discus, finishing 10th overall with a throw of 47.13 meters, just one centimeter shy of advancing. "Nate came as close as possible to making the finals," Mangan said. "Throwing into gusty winds made it even tougher, but he had a great season in both the discus and hammer."

Freshman Logan Tucker competed in his first national championship meet, clearing 4.26 meters to place 15th in the pole vault.

The men's 4x400 relay team of sophomore Devin Wilson, freshman Travon Lane, sophomore ArTezz Butler-Sanders, and freshman Jacob Kusbel finished 21st in the prelims with a time of 3:23.45.

Despite the difficult championship conditions, the Trailblazers closed the season gaining valuable postseason experience across a young roster that featured contributors in nearly every event group. Mangan reflected on the growth shown by the program throughout the year. "With so many younger athletes qualifying and gaining valuable championship experience, the future is very bright for VU," Mangan said. "This has been a great first year here at VU, and I'm thankful for our staff and Caleb Beaman (Head Athletic Trainer) for the support and energy they bring every day."

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Men's and Women's Track and Field squads all year long through a number of ways: