BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Carroll University track & field was represented on the national stage this weekend as a group of young Pioneer athletes competed at the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
All three Carroll qualifiers were freshmen, gaining valuable experience while competing against the nation's top Division III performers in their respective events.
On the women's side, Jenna Weis competed in the pole vault, making her NCAA national championship debut in her first collegiate indoor season. Weis faced a deep and competitive field at nationals, gaining critical experience against some of the top vaulters in Division III. The performance capped a strong freshman campaign that saw Weis steadily improve throughout the indoor season and earn a spot among the nation's top declared athletes.
In men's competition, Brian Smith represented Carroll in the 400 meters, racing against a stacked national field in the preliminary round. Smith finished his heat with a time of 48.66, narrowly missing advancement to the final. The performance capped a remarkable freshman season that included breaking a 14-year-old school record and emerging as one of the top first-year sprinters in Division III.
Carlos Cadet competed in the men's triple jump, posting a top mark of 13.80 meters (45-3½) to finish 15th overall in a highly competitive national field. Cadet's appearance at nationals followed a breakout indoor season that featured consistent performances and All-Region recognition, setting a strong foundation for the future.
While Carroll did not advance to any event finals, the weekend served as an important learning experience for the young Pioneer group. Competing on the national stage provided valuable exposure to championship-level competition and highlighted the continued growth of the Carroll track & field program.
With all three national qualifiers returning, Carroll looks poised to build on the experience gained in Birmingham as the program turns its focus toward the outdoor season and continued development of its young core.
