Several collegiate track and field teams are set to compete in the Penn Classic this weekend at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The event, featuring top programs from across the region, will be streamed on ESPN+ and begins with field events at 11 a.m. on Friday. Teams like Bucknell, Georgetown, Princeton, and William & Mary are sending specialized rosters after strong recent performances.
The Penn Classic, a prestigious indoor track and field competition, draws elite athletes from multiple universities to Philadelphia on February 6-7, 2026. Participating teams include Bucknell, Columbia, George Mason, Georgetown, Hampton, Howard, James Madison, Maryland, Norfolk State, Penn, Pitt, Princeton, Villanova, and William & Mary. The meet is ticketed, with live coverage available on ESPN+ for both days and live stats provided online.
Bucknell wraps up its indoor road schedule at the event, sending abbreviated rosters focused on key performers. The Bison men's team recently secured four wins at the Bison Challenge & Multi, highlighted by senior Wade Shomper's shot put victory at 55-11.25 feet, edging out Shippensburg's Gian Greggo. Junior Jared Hess set a personal record in the triple jump with 46-3.50 feet, while freshman Ethan Fianko won the 400-meter dash in a season-best 49.89 seconds. Freshman Cooper Hollinger claimed the 3000-meter run in 8:31.39, also a personal best.
On the women's side, Bucknell collected 12 victories across the Bison Challenge & Multi and Penn State National Open. Alexandra Lea placed second in the 200-meter (24.49 seconds) and 400-meter (55.33 seconds) dashes at Penn State, moving into second in program history for the 200-meter and improving to second in the 400-meter. Junior Kailey Granger won the 5000-meter run in 17:16.75, rallying from third place. Sophomore Shaelan McNally's 3000-meter time of 9:47.20 earned her eighth all-time at Bucknell. Madison Fowler swept the shot put and weight throw at home, with a 61-7.75-foot weight throw placing her second historically. Freshman Raygan Lust won the 400-meter in 57.36 seconds, leading a Bucknell sweep of the top six spots.
Georgetown also arrives in form after the Penn State National Open. Tinoda Matsatsa set a program record in the 800-meter with 1:45.12, finishing second and ranking fourth nationally. Jaden Marchan broke school, personal, and Trinidad and Tobago national records in the 500-meter at 1:00.62 for first place, the second-fastest NCAA time. The men's 4x400 relay (Alex Lambert, Joshua Davenport, Natanael Vigo Catala, Marchan) won in 3:10.99, seventh in school history. Women like Charlotte Tomkinson (600-meter, 1:29.36 personal best, fifth) and Mary Garace Hegberg (1000-meter, 2:48.19 personal best, sixth) posted strong results.
Princeton and William & Mary teams are similarly preparing, with events spanning sprints, middle distances, and relays. The competition promises high-level action as athletes chase personal bests and regional standings.
