Grand Canyon University concluded its first Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Championships with several individual titles, podium finishes, and program records across three days of competition at Veterans Memorial Stadium, according to a May 17 announcement.
The event marked an important milestone for the Grand Canyon Antelopes as they transitioned into the Mountain West Conference. Junior Miguel Rosario led the team by winning both the 100- and 200-meter dash titles with record-breaking times. Senior Taryn Burkett claimed victory in the triple jump, while junior Tatum Moku secured first place in the pole vault. The men’s team finished fifth overall, and the women’s team placed ninth. Colorado State won the men’s championship title while New Mexico took home the women’s title.
Rosario set new MW Championship records in both sprints. “I felt really confident going into the race,” Rosario said. “Me and my coaches trusted the work I’ve been putting in. So at that point, it was all about executing.” He added: “It means everything to me, being able to represent the Philippines is bigger than just track for me and really putting on for my family.” Other notable performances included senior Jacob Nash finishing fourth in javelin throw, junior Antoni Smith taking third in high jump, sophomore Francisco Marques placing second in 110 hurdles, senior Germain Lemaitre finishing third in 800 meters, and strong relay results from both men’s and women’s teams.
The Grand Canyon Antelopes compete as an intercollegiate athletics program based at Grand Canyon University under NCAA Division I rules. They participate primarily in events governed by Division I standards within conferences such as the Western Athletic Conference but are now also competing within Mountain West events according to their official website. The university supports student-athletes’ development both academically and athletically through its programs.
Although this year ended a streak of conference championships dating back to 2013 for head coach Tom Flood’s program, a large group of Lopes athletes will advance to compete at NCAA West Regionals scheduled for May 27-30 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
