Ten Terps Set to Shine at NCAA Track & Field East First Round
COLLEGE PARK, MD – Excitement is in the air as ten talented Terps have secured their spots to compete at the NCAA Track & Field East First Round, set to unfold from May 28-31 at the stunning Visit Jax Track At Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. This event promises to showcase the best of collegiate athleticism, as athletes aim to secure their tickets to the NCAA Championships.
Understanding the NCAA Track & Field First Round
The NCAA First Round is no small feat. The top 48 individual athletes and top 24 relay teams from each region are selected to participate. To advance to the NCAA Championships, competitors must finish in the top 12 of their respective events. This year’s NCAA National Championship Meet will be hosted at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, a prestigious venue that also hosted the 2025 Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships earlier this month.
Meet the Qualifying Terps
The following standout athletes have earned their opportunity to shine:
- Tolu Akinduro – Triple Jump
- Eric Albright – 800 Meters
- Jack Barchet – 800 Meters
- Morgan Graham – Discus & Hammer
- Chioma Njoku – Hammer
- Maya Valmon – 400 Meters
Additionally, the fierce 4×400 meter relay team comprising Samantha Payne, Lydia Robling, Kami Joi Hickson, and Maya Mosley will seek glory as well.
Competition Schedule
The excitement kicks off on Wednesday, May 28, at 10 AM with the initiation of men’s field and track events. Here’s a brief look at how the competition will unfold:
Men’s Events:
- 800 Meters First Round featuring Albright and Barchet starts at 7:50 PM on May 28.
- Quarterfinals will follow on Friday, May 30 at 7:05 PM.
Women’s Events:
- Hammer Throw kicks off on Thursday, May 29, at 10 AM.
- 400 Meters First Round begins later that day at 7:25 PM.
- Final rounds for the Discus and Triple Jump occur on Saturday, May 31 at 1 PM, followed by 400 meters quarterfinals at 6:50 PM and the 4×400 quarterfinals at 8:45 PM.
Spotlight on Rankings
Among the Terps, Chioma Njoku shines as the highest-ranked athlete, positioned at No. 9 in the East region for the hammer throw with an impressive distance of 65.37m (Kehoe Twilight Meet). Morgan Graham follows closely, ranked No. 16 in the discus (54.63m, Penn Relays) and No. 47 in hammer (57.55m, Kehoe Twilight Meet). Meanwhile, Eric Albright stands 20th in the 800 meters (1:47.32, Florida Relays), and Maya Valmon holds 23rd in the 400 meters (52.50, Kehoe Twilight Meet). Although Jack Barchet enters ranked lower at 61st (1:48.32, Kehoe Twilight Meet), he made the cut due to scratches in the event. The relay team’s ranking sits at 48th after clocking a time of 3:35.38 at the Penn Relays.
Ticket Information and Viewing Options
For those eager to witness this thrilling event, tickets for the East Regional are on sale now. Additionally, fans can catch every exhilarating moment, as all four days of competition will be streamed on ESPN+.
With such talent representing the Terps, the NCAA Track & Field East First Round is set to be an unforgettable meet. Get ready to cheer as they take the track and field by storm!
