BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Gonzaga track opened their week at the NCAA West Preliminaries on Wednesday at E.B. Cushing Stadium, as Wil Smith kicked off Zag racing in the men’s 10,000-meter semifinal.
 
In each of the semifinal events, the Top 12 finishers advance to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore., June 11-14. Last year, Smith fell short with a 21st place finish in the 10K before bouncing back two days later with a third-place finish in the 5K to punch a ticket to Eugene.
 
On Wednesday, Smith opened the lone semifinal with the lead pack, hoping to keep pace before making a late move. At the halfway point, New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel pulled ahead and quickened the pace, bringing 13 other racers with him. For Smith, he would drop in with the second pack before finishing 40th in 29:50.05 among a tough West Region field.
 
Smith will return to the oval on Friday in the 5,000-meter semifinal, hoping to repeat last year’s 5K effort after missing a 10K qualifying finish. His race will begin at 6:10 p.m. PST and will stream on ESPN+.
 
UP NEXT
The Gonzaga women will get their first crack at the West Prelims on Thursday, as all six qualifiers are set to compete. Willow Collins will race in her first of two events, first in the 1500m before the 5K on Saturday. Ellie Armbruster will make her postseason debut, becoming the first 800m competitor in GU history, while Rosina Machu, Logan Hofstee, Jessica Frydenlund, and Alexi Fogo race in the 10,000-meters to wrap the evening. All events will stream live on ESPN+, with live results at www.gozags.com.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—CSUN Track & Field opened up the 2025 NCAA West First Round on Wednesday with the Matador men’s team represented in five total events. Despite a number of solid performances in each event, the quartet of Matadors did not advance to the next round.

Senior Chase Mars competed in both the 100m and 200m first round competitions on Wednesday. Mars would come the closest to advancing in the 200m, as he finished with a time of 20.94 to take 24th place overall. However, by virtue of finishing outside the top three in his heat (fifth place finish), Mars was denied the chance of advancing to the quarterfinals. In the 100m first round, Mars would take 28th place overall after charting a time of 10.49. Mars’ 100m and 200m regional appearances were the second each of his Matador career. Previously, Mars won the 200m Big West title in 2024 while he competed in last year’s NCAA Outdoor Championships in the event.

In the long jump, junior Joey Nations entered as the No. 37 seed in the competition and would improve to 30th place overall in the competition. His second leap of the day would be his best, which marked at 7.23m (23-8.75), but would fall short of the top 12 that advanced to nationals. Nations’ west regional debut was the first of his Matador career. His 2025 season also included his first career Big West title in the long jump. 

Sophomore Tibyasa Matovu would take 34th place overall in the 400m first round. His time of 46.79 finished fourth in his heat, just missing the cut to the quarterfinals. His regional appearance in 2025 was the first as a collegiate competitor, capping a strong first season with CSUN. Matovu would break the CSUN school 400m outdoor record this season (46.01) while he was the runner up at the Big West Outdoor Championships earlier in May.

Returning to the NCAA West First Round for a fourth time in his career, senior Trey Knight would come up short of qualifying for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships after fouling his three attempts. Despite the outcome on Wednesday, Knight capped a historic season with CSUN in 2025, which included a second consecutive Big West hammer throw championship as well as a school record toss of 77.91m (255-7) in March. Last season, Knight claimed All-America First Team honors in the hammer throw with a sixth-place finish at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

UP NEXT

CSUN’s Summer Mosley and Jasmine Haskell will represent the Matador women’s team on Thursday at the NCAA West First Round. Mosley will compete in the hammer throw beginning at 8:00 a.m. PT while Haskell looks to move on to the quarterfinals as she participates in the 400m at 5:25 p.m. on ESPN+.

On the men’s side, Jay Louison-Roe competes for the Matadors in the triple jump on Friday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. PT.

#GoMatadors

 

After five years of success leading the Grand Canyon women’s soccer program, head coach Chris Cissell agreed to a contract extension that keeps him in Phoenix for the foreseeable future. 

Cissell became the program’s sixth head coach on Dec. 23, 2019, and has taken the Lopes to new heights in his five seasons at GCU. In the past four seasons, Cissell led GCU to a WAC regular-season title, two WAC Tournament championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. He has been named WAC Coach of the Year twice at GCU. 

“I feel very blessed and very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach and work here, and I am so thankful and grateful that President Brian Mueller, Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs and Deputy Athletic Director Nick Ojea have so much belief and confidence in me and share our vision of what our soccer family should look like,” Cissell said. “I love working at GCU and my wife, Heather, and I love living in Phoenix. I love the fact that we are a Christian, faith-based university that allows us to coach and lead in a way that is important to all of us.” 

The Lopes have a record of 52-22-11 (.677) over the past four seasons, with a 23-7-7 record in conference play. 

Cissell raised the standard for GCU women’s soccer, holding the best winning percentage (.641) of any Lopes coach and sitting just five victories from becoming the winningest coach in program history. 

“Coach Cissell has established a championship women’s soccer program at GCU built on a positive, family culture and winning tradition,” Boggs said. “He is a respected and coveted coach on the national scene and has continually shown his dedication to building a strong program at GCU. His excitement and passion for his sport and his program is infectious, and we are excited for him to continue leading our program into the future.” 

Cissell came to GCU after nine seasons at Kansas City, where he claimed 102 victories and won three additional WAC regular-season titles. 

A strong team culture has been built and carries over annually under the direction of Cissell, who instills a team-first, family-oriented feel on and off the pitch. 

With 26 years of collegiate coaching, Cissell made Phoenix home with goals to guide GCU to the next level. 

“We have built something really special here in the last five years, and I am so proud of what we accomplished and so excited and extremely confident in our future here at GCU,” Cissell said. “I am very excited that GCU has this confidence in me and wants me here for the foreseeable future as the leader of our awesome soccer family. I will continue to do my very best to make everyone proud, and we will continue to be a great program in all aspects.” 

With an impactful senior class departed after last season, Cissell replenished the roster with a talented freshman class and success in the transfer portal. 

CSCAA Announces Inaugural Power 4 Conference Dual Meet Challenge

The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is proud to announce the inaugural CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge, presented by Visit Knoxville and set to take place November 21–23, 2025, at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee. 

The University of Tennessee will serve as host for this groundbreaking event, which will feature four of the nation’s elite programs—each representing one of the Power 4 conferences:

● University of Michigan (Big Ten) – Head Coach: Matt Bowe 

● Arizona State University (Big 12) – Head Coach: Herbie Behm 

● University of Virginia (ACC) – Head Coach: Todd DeSorbo 

● University of Tennessee (SEC) – Head Coach: Matt Kredich 

Courtesy: CSCAA

“We’re thrilled to host the inaugural CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge at Tennessee—a bold new competition format that represents the future of college swimming,” said Matt Kredich, Head Coach of The University of Tennessee. “Tennessee has for decades been at the forefront of innovation in swimming, and this is a bold step toward the future of the sport. We are proud and excited to be part of this moment, and to help shape a blueprint that could define the next era of collegiate swimming.” 

These powerhouse teams will compete in a double-elimination, bracket-style dual meet format that reimagines traditional collegiate swimming competition. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three meets, with the championship culminating in high-stakes, head-to-head matchups that highlight both individual excellence and team depth. 

“At Virginia, we’re always looking forward—whether it’s in training, competition, or how we think about the future of our sport,” said Todd DeSorbo, Head Coach of the Cavaliers. “The CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge is exactly the kind of innovative, high-level competition that aligns with how we approach our program. It’s a chance to elevate college swimming, bring new fans into the sport, and challenge our athletes in a format built for the next generation. We’re proud to be part of something that pushes the boundaries and helps shape what’s next.” 

A New Blueprint for the Sport 

Designed to elevate the experience for both fans and athletes, the CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge introduces a dynamic, easy-to-follow format optimized for television. Events will alternate between men’s and women’s races, emphasizing strategy, speed, and simplified scoring. Coaches will seed swimmers head-to-head, with points awarded based on individual race wins—ensuring that every race matters. 

“The time to evolve is now,” said CSCAA Executive Director Samantha Barany. “This event is about more than just competition—it’s a statement that our sport can adapt and thrive in the changing landscape of college athletics. The meet offers a scalable blueprint for teams and conferences across all divisions. It makes our sport exciting for any audience familiar with a bracket tournament.” 

More Than a Meet—A Movement 

Amid increasing pressure on Olympic sports—especially in light of impending structural changes from the House Settlement—events like the CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge are vital to ensuring swimming and diving remain relevant and sustainable. This initiative is part of a broader CSCAA strategy to safeguard the sport’s future by: 

● Engaging new fans through exciting, accessible competition, 

● Showcasing Olympic-level talent on the collegiate stage, and 

● Providing a scalable and replicable model for conferences and institutions 

“This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in the sport of collegiate swimming and diving, and it aligns perfectly with Tennessee Athletics’ mission to lead the way forward in everything we do,” Senior Associate Athletics Director of Administration Tyler Johnson said. “The format is built to create a fan-friendly, exciting environment, and there’s no better place to showcase that than the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, one of the top facilities in the country. It’s going to be an incredible experience for athletes, fans and the entire swimming and diving community.” 

The CSCAA is currently working with investors and sponsors to deliver a first-class, two-year pilot event, with plans to provide exclusive access, hospitality experiences, and naming opportunities for supporters. 

“I’m especially grateful to the key stakeholders who had the vision and energy to help make this a reality. Their belief in the potential of our sport laid the foundation for what’s to come. I believe this will inspire others who have been waiting for their turn to contribute to act now and be part of an exciting horizon for our sport. The opportunities are endless to grow—and when we create space to showcase our sports, we all rise together.” 

About the CSCAA 

Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is the first organization of college coaches in the United States. It is a professional association dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of swimming and diving at the collegiate level. With a mission to protect, preserve, and expand college swimming and diving opportunities, the CSCAA delivers resources, education, and leadership development to its members—fostering a thriving and competitive collegiate community.

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Junior Lokesh Sathyanathan earned the Tarleton State Track and Field program first-ever bid to the NCAA Outdoor National Championships after a top 12 performance at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds on Thursday at E.B. Cushing Stadium.
 
Sathyanathan was the first Texan to ever compete at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds, and cements his name into history as the first, of hopefully many, Texans to punch their ticket to a National Championship.
 
“It was great to see him qualify today,” said head coach Bobby Carter. All year we have talked about getting the job done in the first 3 attempts. Today he executed what we have worked on all year. So proud of this young man!”
 
Sathyanathan entered the meet with the top jump in the NCAA at 8.14 meters this season. The junior was one of 48 jumpers in the field with the top 12 earning a spot at the National Championships in Eugene, Ore. on June 11-14. Each jumper took three jumps with their best jump counting for the top 12 marks.
 
In his first of three jumps, Sathyanathan reached 7.80 meters in the first jump in the fourth flight. The mark turned out to be enough to qualify in the top 12, but he wasn’t done just yet. The Karantaka, India, native, jumped 7.87 meters on his second jump to reach fourth place in the meet. He jumped the same distance on his third jump and became the first Texan to punch his ticket to Eugene.
 
In a business manner, Sathyanathan took the news as business as usual and is ready for the opportunity to show his talents at the national stage in Oregon.
 
“I am always thankful and grateful for God, my coach, my family and my team,” said Sathyanathan after the event. “Let’s go Texans and we’ll see you in Oregon!”
 
The Texans also had Sir Jonathan Sims compete in the long jump and earn 21^st with a best mark of 7.39 meters. He will compete with Gabriele Tosti in the triple jump on Friday at 2:15 p.m. David Mvundura raced for the final time as a Texan in the 100 and 200. Ca’terrin Cox made his first appearance at the meet competing in the 110 hurdles. The duo on the track were the first Texan male sprinters to reach the West Preliminary Rounds in program history and did so after facing early-season injuries.
 
On Thursday, the recently named WAC Outdoor Female Freshman of the Year, Prestina Ochonogor, will be in search of her second NCAA Championships appearance in the long jump after earning First Team All-American at the Indoor Championships. Ochonogor tied the WAC Championships meet record en route to the gold medal last week. Her jump of 6.67 meters is ranked sixth in the West. She will be jumping in the fourth flight with an estimated start time of 5:45 p.m.
 
The WAC Outdoor Female Athlete of the Year, Victoria Cameron will be competing in the 100 and 200 on Thursday as well. First, she brings her fourth-best time in the region to the track in the 100 scheduled to start at 7 p.m. She is in the second heat of the 100 and will be running out of lane four. Three Texan women will be competing in the 200 slated to start at 8:45 p.m. Lauren Roy and Amandine Estival will be running in the first heat with Roy in lane six, and Estival in nine. Victoria Cameron will race in the sixth heat in lane five.
 
Sathyanathan will hope to be joined in punching tickets to Oregon by Ochonogor tomorrow in the women’s long jump. The freshman is the only Texan competing on Thursday in an event that does not compete on Saturday. The track events will be streamed on ESPN+ starting at 6 p.m.
 
 

MORAGA, Calif. — For the second straight year, Saint Mary’s Women’s Track will have a pair of runners competing at the NCAA Outdoor Track West Regionals, as Jaden DeSouza and Rayna Stanziano will be taking the track at EB Cushing Stadium on the campus of Texas A&M. 

DeSouza will be the first to compete, taking the track at 8:20 PM CDT (6:20 PM PDT) in the 400 meter hurdles. The senior out of Lihue, Hawaii shattered the program record in this event time and time again this year, with her fastest coming on May 3 at the Oxy Invitational (58.88). That time is good for the 94th fastest in the country, and the 50th fastest in the West Region. Jaden will run in the second of six heats on Thursday. The top 3 from each heat plus next 6 fastest times with advance to the quarter finals, which will be run at 7:25 PM CDT (5:25 CDT) on Saturday, May 31. The top three runners from each quarterfinal and the next three fastest times will advance to the semifinals in Eugene, which will take place between June 11 and June 14. 

Back to regionals for the fourth time in her career, Stanziano will compete in the 5000m semi finals on Saturday at 8:10 PM CDT (6:10 PM PDT). The grad student out of Concord qualified for regionals in the 800m, 1500m and 5000m, but will compete in the 5000m race after running a program record time of 15:46.51 at the Stanford Invitation on April 5. That time was good for 34th in the West Region and 58th fastest in the country. Stanziano will run in heat two of the two 24 runner heats. The top five from each heat and the next two fastest runners will advance to the 5000m finals in Eugene. 

All races will be streamed on ESPN+.

#GaelsRise