PREVIEW: Northern Colorado Set To Close Regular Season Campaign At Air Force Twilight Open

5/7/2026 10:03:00 AM | Men's Outdoor Track & Field, Women's Outdoor Track & Field

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado concludes its outdoor campaign this Friday, heading to USAFA to compete in the Air Force Twilight Open.

The Air Force Twilight Open, hosted by Air Force at Cadet Outdoor Track & Field Complex, will take place Friday, May 8 and features a full slate of running, jumping and throwing events against a strong regional field.

Northern Colorado enters the weekend with momentum on both the men's and women's sides following a strong showing at the Doug Invitational at Colorado State.

MEET INFORMATION
Air Force Twilight Open
Date: May 8
Location: USAFA, Colorado (Cadet Outdoor Track & Field Complex)

LAST TIMEOUT: Northern Colorado track and field delivered a strong showing Saturday at the Doug Max Invitational, highlighted by multiple event titles, podium finishes and top five performances. On the men's side, Tyler Rogers led the way with a win in the long jump (7.47m/24-6.25) while also placing sixth in the 200 meters (21.69). Daniel Beckford paced a deep sprint group with a fifth-place finish in the 100 meters (10.65) and added a third-place effort in the 110-meter hurdles (14.04). Johnny Fisher (5th, 21.60), Rogers (6th, 21.69) and Kyran Jones (7th, 21.89) all placed in the top eight of the 200, while Raphael Egbuchilem finished fifth in the 400 meters (46.80). Kaliff Guevara added a runner-up finish in the triple jump (14.70m). On the women's side, Caydence Brewer captured the 200-meter title (24.60) and placed fourth in the 100 (12.11), leading four Bears in the top 10. Alexia Austin (2nd, 13.57) and Sherika Thomas (3rd, 14.02) both earned podium finishes in the 100-meter hurdles. Monique Stewart (2:06.07) and Regina Mpigachai (2:07.53) went 2-3 in the 800, with Mpigachai also taking third in the 1500 (4:23.57).
In the field events, Kiana Van Haaren won the long jump (6.02m/19-9), while April Necaise placed second in the high jump (1.71m). The women's 4x100 relay team also added a second-place finish (46.96).

BUILDING MOMENTUM: Northern Colorado continues to build consistency across both squads in the outdoor season, already notching several personal-best performances and marks that rank among the program's all-time lists. With competition spread across multiple meets this Friday, the Bears will be challenged by strong fields while gaining valuable experience, sharpening performances for the Big Sky Tournament.

UP NEXT: Following the Doug Max Invitational, the Bears will turn their focus to the final regular-season meet of the year, competing at the Air Force Twilight Open

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.

Give to the Relay Club today!

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).