GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Campbellsville University men's track and field team is ready to take flight at the 2026 NAIA Men's Indoor Track & Field National Championship, taking the Alachua County Sports and Events Center with automatic qualifiers, early-season national marks, and championship experience. From Thursday through Saturday, the Tigers aim to turn their indoor season into All-American success on the national stage.

Campbellsville's national qualifiers include competitors in both track and field events. The Tigers' two conference champions enter the meet as legitimate scoring threats, while their returning All-American brings proven national experience.

For head coach Ranard Adkison, the message heading into nationals has remained consistent through the season. "Nationals isn't about doing something new. It's about tightening up what we've already built. The foundation is there. Now it's about execution, composure, and competing with confidence." Adkison continued, "this group understands that the standard doesn't change because the stage gets bigger."

That foundation is reflected in the Tigers' national qualifiers.

Senior Schavon Carr secured an NAIA "A" standard with a time of 7.99 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles at the Scarlet Knight Open, positioning himself as a serious contender.

Adkison believes Carr's growth has been both technical and mental. "Schavon has put himself in position for a chance at a national title because he's committed to mastering the details. At this level, races are won and lost in hundredths of a second." Adkison added, "the biggest growth for Schavon has been confidence. When you believe you can be a national champion, you compete differently."

Carr also brings All-American experience after placing fourth in the 110-meter hurdles finals at last year's outdoor national championship.

JaQuez Campbell earned an NAIA "A" standard with a leap of 7.34 meters (24 feet, 1 inch) at the Scarlet Knight Open, solidifying his place among the top long jumpers in the field.

Coach Adkison accentuated that Campbell's preparation has mirrored the championship standard. "JaQuez has trained with national-level intent all season. Nationals is just another runway: the approach doesn't change. In the long jump, consistency wins. He's shown he can execute under pressure, and that's critical on this stage."

Senior David Young was the first of the trio to secure his national qualification, hitting 14.53 meters (47 feet, 8 inches) at the Vanderbilt Invitational early in the season. His early mark set the tone for the Tigers' indoor campaign.

Adkison highlighted Young's maturity entering the meet, "Triple jump at nationals is about discipline and controlled aggression. David has prepared himself mentally and technically for that challenge. He understands the moment, but he's not overwhelmed by it. That maturity matters."