Austin Claims Gold as Bears Close Strong at Big Sky Championships

Saturday, May 16

Portland, Ore.

All Day

University of Northern Colorado

Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships

5/16/2026 9:34:00 PM | Men's Outdoor Track & Field, Women's Outdoor Track & Field

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GRESHAM, Ore. – Northern Colorado wrapped up competition at the 2026 Big Sky Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday at Mt. Hood Community College, highlighted by an event title and multiple podium finishes on the final day.

The Bears saw their biggest moment come on the track as Alexia Austin captured the Big Sky title in the women's 100-meter hurdles, clocking a winning time of 13.35 to lead Northern Colorado. Already the program record holder in the event, Austin added a conference championship to her resume and headlined a strong day for the Bears.

Northern Colorado continued to find success in the field events, as Tyler Rogers secured a runner-up finish in the men's long jump with a mark of 7.38 meters to earn eight team points. On the women's side, Kiana Van Haaren added to the Bears' total with a second-place finish of her own in the long jump, recording a mark of 5.90 meters.

On the track, Monique Stewart returned to the women's 800-meter final after delivering one of the fastest times in program history during preliminaries. Her mark of 2:07.42 ranks among the top performances in Northern Colorado history, placing her firmly in the program's all-time top five and capping off a standout weekend.

Raphael Egbuchilem competed in both the men's 400-meter and 200-meter finals, contributing valuable points for the Bears with a pair of strong efforts in the sprint events. His versatility played a key role in Northern Colorado's scoring on the final day.

In the hurdles, Daniel Beckford and Jaydon Sundbye both competed in the men's 110-meter hurdle finals, rounding out a strong showing from the Bears' hurdle group after advancing through preliminaries earlier in the meet.

Regina Mpigachai represented Northern Colorado in the women's 1500-meter final, continuing her consistent performance throughout the championship weekend.

The Bears also saw contributions in the field, including April Necaise in the women's high jump, helping round out Northern Colorado's efforts across the board.

UP NEXT: Northern Colorado will look ahead to postseason opportunities as qualifying athletes prepare for upcoming regional competitions.

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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FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the cross country and track and field teams on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsTFXC), and Instagram (@UNC_BearsXCTF).