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Vincennes University

Big Performances Fuel Trailblazers at Music City Challenge

Big Performances Fuel Trailblazers at Music City Challenge
Results
May 2, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vincennes University Men's and Women's Track and Field competed Friday and Saturday at the Music City Challenge, hosted by Vanderbilt University, turning in a series of record-setting performances, national qualifiers, and personal bests against strong NCAA competition.

Men

The Trailblazers were led by a dominant showing in the 1500 meters, where freshman Iheb Slimani and sophomore Anis Abdaoui delivered another 1–2 finish in their heat — their third such result in any race during the outdoor season. Slimani won the heat in a personal-best, school-record 3:45.63, while Abdaoui followed in a personal-best 3:46.53, moving to second in program history. Distance Coach Tyler Steigenga detailed the race execution, saying, "We were hoping to get pulled along in a faster heat, but the guys made the most of it. They took control early, sat 1–2, and with about 300 meters to go, Iheb made a big move that only Anis could cover. They held off the field and both came away with big PRs."

In the 5000 meters, freshman Youssef Dridi continued his strong late-season form, running a personal-best 15:10.84, moving into ninth in program history. Steigenga added, "Youssef has put together two of his best races of the season over the last couple weeks, and it was great to see him break through with his first PR of the year."

Freshman Evan Dailey and sophomore Lane Connaway also recorded personal-best performances in the event, posting times of 15:43.07 and 15:44.74, respectively, continuing the group's depth in the distance events.

On the track, freshman Travon Lane delivered a personal-best performance in the 400 meters, finishing in 48.61, continuing his steady progression in the event.

Women

The women's distance group produced multiple standout performances, highlighted by freshman Ikram Dorai, who set a new school record and national qualifying mark in the 5000 meters with a personal-best 17:01.45. Freshman Elizabeth Smith followed with a national qualifying performance in the same event, running 17:48.31 to move to third in program history, while showing a strong return to form. Steigenga noted, "Ikram had another big performance, and Liz really bounced back well after a tough race earlier this season. It was great to see her back to the level she showed earlier in the year."

In the 1500 meters, sophomore Sarra Belgacem recorded a personal-best 4:48.83, earning a national qualifying mark and moving to fourth in program history. Steigenga highlighted her response after an earlier setback, saying, "Sara made the most of her opportunity. After getting tripped up earlier this season, she came back with her best race and one of her strongest closing laps of the year."

In the hurdles, freshman Brielle Seiler continued her breakout outdoor season, posting a national qualifying time of 1:05.22 in the 400-meter hurdles, moving to third in program history. "Brielle ran a really composed race," first-year Head Coach Michael Mangan said. "She stayed patient early and closed strong to secure the qualifier."

In the field events, freshman McKenna Poyser delivered a breakthrough performance in the pole vault, recording a personal-best and national qualifying mark of 3.16 meters. Mangan praised her resilience, saying, "Kenna stayed focused through multiple delays and challenges during the meet and was able to come through with a big performance to punch her ticket to nationals."

Freshman Greer Hardin added a strong mark of 1.55 meters in the high jump, taking another step forward in the event.

Mangan emphasized the team's overall trajectory, saying, "We're seeing a lot of athletes step up at the right time. The group is competing with confidence, and that's exactly what we want heading into the final stretch."

VU returns to action May 8 at the Sycamore Open, hosted by Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, in its final regular-season tune-up.

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: