LA CROSSE, WI - The Utica University track and field team wrapped up its successful 2026 Outdoor campaign this past week at the Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships hosted by Wisconsin La-Crosse, taking home three Division III Second Team All-American nods courtesy of
Bennett Melita (Johnstown, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) and
Allie Cary (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool), with the latter completing the impossible feat of capturing All-American honors in TWO different events at the same championships.
Thursday, May 21st
Wayne Spencer (Rochester, NY/Padilla (Franklin Campus)) opened up action at the National Championships on Thursday afternoon, with the rookie competing in the long jump for his first action at the pinnacle of Division III Track and Field. The Empire 8 Indoor Rookie of the Year wrapped up a stellar campaign that also saw him take home his first ever Empire 8 Championship as he became the Empire 8 Outdoor Long Jump Champion a few weeks prior.
Later in the afternoon, Cary, who qualified for both the discus and shot put, participated in the former for her first career Division III Outdoor National Championships action. The Second Team Indoor All-American would have a standout showing, finishing in the top half of the competition as she secured yet another All-American nod, grabbing tenth place out of 22 thanks to a 43.86m toss. Cary just barely missed out on the final round, as only the top eight receive First Team All-American status and a shot at the finals of each throwing event. However, the sophomore had a stellar start to her National Championship outing. Grabbing her second All-American of the 2025-2026 season.
To wrap up day one, Melita took to the track, gearing up for his first ever appearance at the Division III Outdoor National Championships as he readied for the 3000m Steeplechase. Melita needed a top-12 finish to qualify for the next day's final race, however, he would fall just short, still securing a Second Team All-American honor in the process as he finished 15th with a time of 9:10.30. The Pioneers' long distance leader help a top-8 position for the first bunch of laps, but slipped out of finals contention during the final few turns. Despite that, it was an excellent campaign for Melita, who also took home three Empire 8 Championships during the season and qualified for his second NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country Championship back in the fall.
Friday, May 22nd
Cary completed the meet for the Pioneers on Friday, taking on her second event as she battled it out in the shot put. The Pioneer sophomore also qualified for the Indoor Shot Put National Championships back in March, making this her second time competing against Division III's best shot put athletes. Within the stacked field, Cary would launch a 13.06m toss to take 14th, achieving her third All-American honor of the season, and her second at this event alone. Cary wrapped up one of the greatest seasons in Utica history, taking home a trio of All-Americans alongside two Empire 8 Championships.
The Pioneers wrapped up their season following the championships, as they finished with six All-American honors and nine Empire 8 Championships across the indoor and outdoor campaigns.
