T&F: 25 Entrants Looking to Punch Ticket at NCAA West Prelims

Wednesday, May 27

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Baylor

NCAA West Preliminary Rounds

T&F: 25 Entrants Looking to Punch Ticket at NCAA West Prelims

5/26/2026 3:01:00 PM | Track & Field

Men take center stage on Wednesday with Colbert qualifying in the 100, 200 and 4x100

NCAA WEST SCHEDULE

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After making the most of the three "bullets" he took to the NCAA Indoor Championship back in March – earning three All-America honors and a pair of bronze medals – Baylor coach Michael Ford said he would like to take a "big group to Oregon."

But the first step is getting through the first two rounds at the NCAA West Prelims that begin Wednesday at the University of Arkansas' John McDonnel Field, with the top 12 in each event advancing to the NCAA Championship June 10-13 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

"They've been kind of locked in all year," said Ford, whose women's team is ranked 20^th after finishing 22^nd at the NCAA Indoor with top-four finishes from Tiriah Kelley in the 200 meters and Molly Haywood in the pole vault.

"Going into this meet, we're not going to change a whole bunch . . . just keeping them mentally locked in and focused. My mindset is, we've got 25 (entrants), let's see how many of the 25 we can get to Eugene."

Indoor bronze medalists, Kelley and hurdler Demario Prince headline Baylor's 25 entrants for the NCAA West Prelims.

Kelley, who ranks second in the NCAA West and fourth national in the 200 meters with a school-record time of 22.19, would like nothing more than to expand on the three events she qualified in a year ago. She made it in the 200 meters and 4x100 and 4x400 relays last year and is also entered in the 100 meters this time around.

"I'll say it's possible. I'm not the only one who goes out there and runs four events in the same day," said Kelley, who is also ranked 13^th in the region in the 100 meters with a PR time of 11.13. "It is possible, but it's a lot of being ready and recovering immediately after each race. As soon as one race is over, going to cool down, get recovery and do what I need to do to get back for the second race."

While Kelley has a legitimate shot of maybe even making the finals in the 100 and 200 meters, the 4x100 and 4x400 relays are more of a longshot, ranked 12^th and 26^th, respectively, in the NCAA West. The 4x100 relay of Kelley, Hannah Lowe, Jada Edwards and Royaltee Brown have a season-best time of 43.39, while Alyssa Jones, Kelley, Success Oyibu and Serafima Lucero have a season PR of 3:32.58.

'It's just about executing," Ford said, "because they've executed fairly well all year. I think if the 4x1 can just handle the stick correctly, we'll be fine. They're capable of running (under 43 seconds). And for them to make the final in Eugene, they're going to have to run 42."

Along with Prince, the best threat for the men is the 4x400 relay of Aren Spencer, Malik Franklin, Bailey Hashmi and Tyler Honeyman, who won the Big 12 title in a season PR of 3:02.90. Prince and the 4x400 relay are both ranked third in the NCAA West.

"It's an obstacle race, so anything can happen," said Prince, who has a season PR of 13.14. "But I just focus on my lane and just executing. We've been competing with the same people all season, so nothing really changes. I just need to go out there and take care of business."

Competing on alternating days, the men will take the stage on Wednesday and Friday, with the women going on Thursday and Saturday.

The schedule and live results are available at NCAA West.

Sophomore Logan Todorovich has already earned her ticket to Eugene, scoring a school-record 5,830 points in finishing fourth in the heptathlon at the Big 12 Championship. With the top 24 athletes in the multi events advancing to nationals, Todorovich sits in ninth place, with a chance for a podium finish.

For the latest news on Baylor track and field all year long, follow its official Facebook, X and Instagram accounts: @BaylorTrack.

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WEDNESDAY'S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

110m hurdles: Demario Prince, 6 p.m.
100 meters: Laurenz Colbert, 7 p.m.
Pole Vault: Parker Brannon, 7 p.m.
400 meters: Malik Franklin, Aren Spencer, 7:25 p.m.
200 meters: Laurenz Colbert, 8:45 p.m.