Bryan Clay Invitational 2026: Washington State Track and Field Shines on Day 1

April 16, 2026 – Azusa, California – The Bryan Clay Invitational kicked off at Azusa Pacific University with strong performances from Washington State University athletes, marking the first day of competition in one of the nation’s premier collegiate track and field events. The meet, now part of the World Athletics Continental Tour as a Challenger Level (Category D) competition, drew over 4,000 athletes from more than 80 universities across the country.

Washington State’s track and field team made an immediate impact, with multiple athletes setting personal bests in distance events. Lauren Hoyt competed in her first collegiate 10,000 meters, finishing 25th in the Open A division with a time of 35:17.42. Her teammate Zenah Cheptoo placed 13th in the Invite 1 division of the women’s 10,000 meters, clocking 33:11.08. On the men’s side, Leo Cook ran his inaugural collegiate 10,000 meters, placing 16th in the Open B division with a time of 31:21.29.

In the steeplechase events, Caroline Jepkorir delivered a standout performance in the Women’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase (Invite), finishing 12th with a time of 10:01.79 — just two seconds off her personal best. Additional WSU competitors in the steeplechase included Micaiah Aden (88th in the Open Men’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase at 9:37.77), Evelina Sitnika (55th in the Open Women’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase at 10:50.76), and Mercy Biwott (23rd in the Invite Women’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase at 10:29.36).

The Bryan Clay Invitational, hosted annually by Azusa Pacific University, continues to serve as a critical platform for athletes aiming to achieve personal, collegiate, or national standards. With its inclusion in the World Athletics Continental Tour, the 2026 edition offers athletes the opportunity to earn global ranking points, with points distributed as follows: 28 for first place, 24 for second, 21 for third, 18 for fourth, 15 for fifth, 13 for sixth, 12 for seventh, and 11 for eighth in Category D events.

Over the course of three days, the meet features a full slate of track and field disciplines, including sprints, distance races, hurdles, jumps, and throws. Day one highlighted distance events, setting the tone for a competitive weekend that brings together elite collegiate talent under the scenic foothills of Azusa, California.

As the Bryan Clay Invitational progresses through April 18, Washington State athletes will continue to compete across multiple events, building on their strong opening-day performances.