Silas Kiptanui set a program, conference and facility record in the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase on Friday.
One Tulane Green Wave track and field standout had a record-setting race on Friday to punch his ticket to the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Silas Kiptanui showed out at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship East Regional in Lexington, Kentucky, and took the 3,000 meter steeplechase by storm. The sophomore from Rift Valley, Kenya, finishing with a time of 8:18:09. That bested his previous season high of 8:25:16 by just over seven seconds. Not only did he set a personal-best time, but he also broke the program, American Conference and UK Outdoor Track and Field Complex records. Kiptanui's first place finish by over two seconds in the second heat secured his spot in the championship, and he'd go on to have the fastest time of the entire day.
The Green Wave has competed in four other events over the past three days. Rogerio Amaral and Tommy Rice each ran in the men's 10,000 meter race on Wednesday night. Amaral finished first out of the duo, coming in 30th place with a time of 29:58:53. Rice was a little less than a minute behind with a 30:40:17 mark that was good for 42nd place. Both concluded their strong seasons just shy of reaching the championship meet.
On Thursday, another pair of Tulane standouts put up strong showings in their respective events. Cara Salsberry started the day with the hammer throw, and she set a new personal best throw of 59.87 meters. Though that was enough to elevate the program record that she previously set, Salsberry's 22nd overall placement was not enough to advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championship.
Blezzin Kimutai ended the night with an impressive showing in the women's 10,000 meter race. Her time of 34:09.60 helped her to a 21st overall finish and showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with on the track for years to come.
The Green Wave will have one more chance to see a student-athlete advance to the championship alongside Kiptanui, as Salsberry earned the chance to compete in Saturday's women's discus. Her event starts at 12 p.m. CT, and if she finishes in the top 12, she'll represent the Olive Green and Sky Blue on her sport's biggest stage.
The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships will take place in Eugene, Oregon, from Wednesday, June 10th, to Saturday, June 13th. The meet will feature the top 24 student-athletes in each event -- 12 from the East first round, and 12 from the West first round.
