The Emporia State Hornets Track and Field teams will host the Midwest Classic at Welch Stadium on April 2-3, 2026, marking the second of five home meets this season. The event features both heptathlon and decathlon competitions, with various field and track events scheduled throughout the two days. This meet is part of the lead-up to the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships set for May 21-23 in Emporia. Notably, the Hornets recently achieved impressive results at the ESU Spring Open, including one school record and several standout performances from their athletes.

By the Numbers
  • Ezekiel Seamster is fourth in the nation in the men's 100m with a time of 10.29 seconds.
  • Emporia State has seven athletes with eight provisional qualifying marks for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships.
State of Play
  • Current rankings show the Emporia State men at #44 and women at #79 in the nation.
  • Seven teams from MIAA are nationally ranked, highlighting the competitive landscape.
What's Next

The Hornets are preparing for the Grizzly Gold Invite in El Dorado, KS on April 10-11, where they will send full teams for the first time this spring. This competition will serve as another opportunity for athletes to secure their positions for the upcoming national championships.

Bottom Line

Emporia State Track and Field is poised for a strong showing this season, with several athletes on track for national qualification and the team gaining momentum ahead of the NCAA Championships. The upcoming meets will be critical for maintaining competitiveness and showcasing their talent.