At the 2026 PacWest Championships, both the men's and women's track and field teams from Azusa Pacific secured second-place finishes, with the men trailing Fresno Pacific and the women losing their nine-year title to Biola. Key highlights include Hannah Richardson winning the women's hammer throw and Kristina Rakocevic breaking the PacWest discus record. The event showcased strong performances as several athletes met D2 national qualifying standards, setting the stage for upcoming national competitions. In relays and multisport events, the Cougars demonstrated depth, particularly in the women's shot put, where they swept the podium.

By the Numbers
  • Hannah Richardson won the hammer throw with a toss of 51.18m (167' 11").
  • Kristina Rakocevic set a PacWest record in the discus with a throw of 53.96m (177').
  • Finn Coene won the decathlon with a total of 6,722 points, qualifying for nationals.
State of Play
  • The Cougars have multiple athletes already qualified for the Division II national championships.
  • The upcoming Terry Franson Last Chance Qualifier on May 7-9 presents one last opportunity for further qualifications.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Cougars will focus on the Last Chance Qualifier to potentially secure more athletes for the national championship in Kansas over Memorial Day Weekend. Success in these upcoming events could bolster their competitive presence at the national level.

Bottom Line

Azusa Pacific's strong outing at the PacWest Championships, highlighted by record-breaking performances, sets a promising tone for the national championships. The upcoming qualifier will be crucial for maximizing their representation at the D2 level.