Track and field competitors from Western Kentucky, IU Indianapolis, and Dayton wrapped up the Crossroads of America Invitational in Indianapolis on January 24, 2026. Several athletes achieved personal bests and strong finishes in various events. Highlights included victories and top placements in distance runs and throws.
The Crossroads of America Invitational concluded on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis, featuring strong performances from multiple university teams. Western Kentucky University's Hilltoppers saw three athletes set personal bests. Kinley Kunkel improved her mile time to 5:07, surpassing her previous mark of 5:12. Gianna Huerta ran the 400 meters in 58.17, edging out her prior best of 58.20. Leland Taylor clocked 50.20 in the men's 400 meters, more than a second faster than his 51.40 from the Vanderbilt Invitational. Freshman Sam Herbig secured a win in the men's 5000 meters with a time of 15:23.
IU Indianapolis's women's team recorded six personal bests over the two-day event, though specific details on the athletes were not detailed in reports.
Dayton's throwers competed prominently, with senior Rebekah Conrad taking first in the weight throw at 18.26 meters for her second victory of the season. She also placed ninth in the shot put with 12.99 meters. Senior Anna Yater achieved a personal best of 12.87 meters in the shot put for tenth place and finished eighth in the weight throw at 16.72 meters. Other Dayton results included Jillian Yates in 12th for weight throw (16.08 meters), Elaina Panagakos in 17th (14.78 meters) and 24th in shot put (10.23 meters), Maggie Hofner in 18th for weight throw (14.37 meters), and Chloe Hansen in 30th for weight throw (9.99 meters) and 25th in shot put (9.65 meters).
The meet highlighted early-season progress for these programs. Western Kentucky's next competition is on January 30, while Dayton heads to the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational in Louisville on January 30-31.
