Nowels Moves to No. 8 All-Time in Steeple as Bears Compete at Kit Mayer Classic

Saturday, April 11

Golden, Colo.

All Day

University of Northern Colorado

Kit Mayer Classic

4/11/2026 5:32:00 PM | Men's Outdoor Track & Field, Women's Outdoor Track & Field

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GOLDEN, Colo. – Northern Colorado track & field closed out its weekend in Golden with a strong showing at the Kit Mayer Classic, highlighted by a first-place finish from Raphael Egbuchilem and multiple podium performances on the women's side at Stermole Track & Field Complex.

Egbuchilem led the way for the Bears, capturing the 400m title with a time of 47.54. Teammate Christopher Cheatham added a top-10 finish in the event, placing eighth in 49.47, while Nick Ellis followed in 12th (49.93) as UNC showcased depth in the quarter-mile.

In distance events, Daniel Watson paced the Bears in the 1500m (4:13.50), while Aaron Roll (16:03.95) and Noah Osmond (33:17.20) competed in the 5000m and 10,000m, respectively. Hunter Kenney represented UNC in the 3000m steeplechase (10:08.94).

In the field events, Kaden Waugh led the Bears in the shot put (12.13m), while Korbin Waugh (38.46m) and Kaden Waugh (35.46m) competed in the discus.

On the women's side, Caydence Brewer continued her strong outdoor campaign with a runner-up finish in the 400m, crossing in 57.05. Donice Bruno-Ezealah added a fifth-place finish (58.64), as the Bears placed six runners inside the top 12 of the event.

In the distance events, Jessica Wilson led UNC in the 1500m with an eighth-place finish (4:48.85), followed by Brooke Elfert, Lucy Varela, Sabina Stroia and Braelyn Gifford. Claire Nowels delivered one of the top performances of the day in the 3000m steeplechase, placing ninth with a time of 11:57.60 to move to No. 8 all-time in program history.

In the field, April Necaise earned a second-place finish in the high jump (1.65m), while Ciara Piffarerio placed fourth (1.60m). Sophie Blankman rounded out the field event competitors with a throw of 10.95m in the shot put.

Northern Colorado will look to build on a weekend that included multiple event wins, podium finishes and all-time marks as the outdoor season continues.

MEN'S RESULTS
400m
1. Raphael Egbuchilem – 47.54
8. Chris Cheatham – 49.47
12. Nick Ellis – 49.93
19. Moise Bennett – 51.58
22. Kyran Jones – 54.21
25. Jaymison Whicmann – 54.61
28. Jared Jenson – 56.50

1500m
30. Daniel Watson – 4:13.50

5000m
18. Aaron Roll – 16:03.95

10000m
17. Noah Osmond – 33:17.20

3000m Steeple
26. Hunter Kenney – 10:08.94

Shot Put
13. Kaden Waugh – 12.13m (39-9.75)

Discus
17. Korbin Waugh – 38.46m (126-2.00)
18. Kaden Waugh – 35.46m (116-4.00)

WOMEN'S RESULTS
400m
2. Caydence Brewer -57.05
5. Donice Bruno-Ezealah – 58.64
7. Alison Hoodak – 1:01.46
10. Marely Del Campo – 1:02.17
11. Annison Pound – 1:04.63
12. Kara Sidwell – 1:05.14

800m
19. Kynley Albright – 2:31.73

1500m
8. Jessica Wilson – 4:48.85
14. Brooke Elfert – 5:01.61
16. Lucy Varela – 5:04.43
19. Sabina Stroia – 5:13.87
22. Braelyn Gifford – 5:23.59

3000m Steeple
9. Claire Nowels – 11:57.60 (No. 8 UNC All-Time)

High Jump
2. April Necaise – 1.65m (5-5.00)
4. Ciara Piffarerio – 1.60m (5-3.00)

Shot Put
11. Sophie Blankman – 10.95m (35-11.25)

RELAY CLUB: The Relay Club elevates the UNC Track & Field and Cross Country program by enhancing training resources, providing advanced shoes and apparel, and competitive travel opportunities that allow the Bears to perform at their best. These contributions enhance the student-athlete experience and help ensure the team continues to excel on the track and in the classroom.

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