The Duquesne University track and field teams will kick off their 2026 outdoor season at the 49er Classic in Charlotte, N.C., on March 20-21. The men's team features athletes competing in events like the 100m, 200m, 800m, and the 4x400m relay, while the women's team showcases participants in similar sprints and distance events. Both squads are bolstered by a strong roster of returning athletes and promising freshmen, with key competitors highlighted for their previous accolades. The Dukes will compete in a total of seven meets this outdoor season, culminating in the Atlantic 10 Championships in May.

By the Numbers
  • 16 freshmen and 15 sophomores highlight the roster across both men's and women's teams.
  • Duquesne aims for its best performance following a fifth-place finish for men and seventh for women at last year's Atlantic 10 Championships.
State of Play
  • The men's team is led by Louie Liberatore, who qualified for NCAA Championships, and Christian Cupp, a silver medalist in the long jump.
  • On the women's side, Rose Kuchera earned All-American honors and Mia Pierce had a standout season with gold medals at the ECAC Championships.
What's Next

Following the 49er Classic, the Dukes will host the Carnegie Mellon Invitational and then participate in upcoming meets at George Mason and Bucknell in early April. With their sights set on improvement and performance returns, the Atlantic 10 Championships in May will be a pivotal event for the teams.

Bottom Line

The Duquesne track and field teams have a well-rounded roster returning and are positioned to build on last year's successes as they gear up for the outdoor season. Focus will be key in overcoming challenges and aiming for top performances in upcoming competitions.