Five athletes from Wayne State College's men's track and field/cross country teams have been recognized as 2026 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selections. The honorees include senior throwers Jake Peitz and Jaxson Ninete, both of whom are repeat selections, alongside seniors Alex Leuenberger and Matthew Logue, as well as sophomore William Keller. Ninete has also been nominated for the All-American ballot, with results to be revealed on July 14. To qualify, nominees must have a GPA of 3.50 or higher and rank in the top 50 in their respective events in the Central Region.

By the Numbers
  • Five Wildcats honored for academic excellence in track and field/cross country.
  • Jaxson Niente achieved a 3.96 GPA and was the NSIC hammer throw champion.
  • Jake Peitz had a 3.63 GPA and finished fourth in the hammer throw at NSIC Championships.
  • William Keller earned a 3.98 GPA and placed 13th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
State of Play
  • Ninete's All-American status is pending with evaluations happening until July 14.
  • Wildcats display strong academic performances alongside athletic achievements.
What's Next

As the All-American selections are finalized, additional recognition for Niente could further elevate the program's profile. The NCAA championships may provide further competitive opportunities for the Wildcats.

Bottom Line

The academic and athletic accomplishments of these five Wildcats exemplify the successful balance of sports and education at Wayne State, highlighting the institution's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.