Ypsilanti, MI — The Hornets opened the 2026 season with a strong mix of veteran leadership and first-time competitors, focusing on progress, race execution, and establishing early-season benchmarks rather than chasing wins. The meet provided a valuable snapshot of where the team stands coming out of winter training. On the men’s side, several athletes set the tone with early personal bests and competitive efforts. Senior Lennon Cohoon led the sprint group, running a personal best 7.45 in the 60m prelims and adding an 8th-place finish in the finals (7.51). He also delivered a standout performance in the long jump, placing 3rd with a personal best leap of 20' 11.75". Sophomore Jack Spurry added a personal best of 7.77 in the 60m, showing strong early-season development. In the middle distances, Jack Klein (2:07.64 SB) and Ryan Rummel (2:12.20 PB) competed well in the 800m, while Carlos Basulto and Jacob Cole opened their seasons in the 1600m with solid season-best efforts. Youssef Jarouche had a productive day, earning a personal best of 9.20 in the 60m hurdles finals and adding a strong mark of 19' 2" in the long jump. The relay units were a major highlight. The 4x400 (A) and 4x800 (A) teams both captured first place finishes (3:36.87 and 8:20.10), while the 4x200 (A) group placed 2nd in 1:34.03—an encouraging sign of depth and early chemistry. In the field events, Alexander Stockton cleared 5'10" in the high jump to place 4th, while Kameron Lewis and Nathan Mercer opened their seasons in the shot put with solid marks. On the women’s side, the Hornets were led by dominant sprint and relay performances. Senior Charlotte Warren opened her season in impressive fashion, winning the 60m with 8.14 after leading prelims as well. Aviana Stackhouse added a strong showing with a season-best in prelims. In the distance events, Payton Aagesen (2:35.12 PB) and freshman Lauren Tomaszewski (2:40.69 PB) both notched personal bests in the 800m, while Mia Washington and Hannah Gritzmaker competed well in the 1600m. The hurdles group saw growth from Marissa Salazar (12.05 PB) and Hannah Frazier-Stephens, who also recorded a personal best in prelims. Relay performances were again a strength. The 4x800 (A) team claimed 1st place in 10:02.08, and the 4x400 (A) finished 2nd in 4:15.97, highlighting strong early-season endurance and teamwork. In the field events, Mahalia Staton placed 2nd in the long jump (16' 6.25"), while Amelia Lorch added a personal best (16' 0.25") to place 4th. Nova Platzer recorded a personal best in the shot put (30' 7.25"), and both Janaye Sifuna and Jenna Sweet contributed solid performances in the high jump.