TOPEKA, Kan. - The Ottawa University track and field team opened the 2026 indoor season with a strong showing at the Washburn Rust Buster, competing against a deep field of NAIA, NCAA, and junior college programs. The Braves recorded multiple top-tier performances across the sprint and middle-distance events, with several athletes producing season-opening marks that set a strong tone moving forward.

Standout performances included Daniel Blount's 2.04m high jump, which currently ties him for 4^th in the NAIA, Domonic Atkinstall's 22.16 in the 200m, and Zoie Means-Thomas' 13.53m shot put.

Field events overall had several personal best performances, with Daniel Blount and Corey Brown having outstanding performances in the high jump.  Both men set new personal bests, with Brown going over 2 inches higher than he ever had before, and Blount qualifying for the indoor national championship for the first time ever.

The Braves will be back in action on January 24 at NAIA/JUCO Challenge in Pittsburg, Kansas.