WSU Track & Field: Cougars Dominate MPSF Championships Day 1

March 2, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

RENO, Nevada – The Washington State Cougars dominated the opening day of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, securing victories in the men’s 5000m, the women’s distance medley relay (DMR), and achieving strong individual performances across multiple events.

Solomon Kipchoge led a Cougar sweep of the top five finishers in the men’s 5000m, crossing the finish line in 13 minutes and 46.43 seconds. Teammate Evans Kurui finished closely behind in 13 minutes and 47.61 seconds. Josphat Meli secured third place with a time of 14 minutes and 15.70 seconds, while Muhammed Ahmed and Ku Stevens rounded out the top five for WSU, posting times of 14 minutes and 18.02 seconds and 14 minutes and 18.39 seconds, respectively.

The Cougar women also excelled in the relay events. Mercy Biwott, Lashanna Graham, Daphne Evenson, and Rosemary Longisa combined for a winning time of 11 minutes and 31.83 seconds in the women’s DMR. Biwott established an early lead in the 1200m leg, Graham maintained the team’s position in the 400m, Evenson remained competitive during the 800m, and Longisa completed a dramatic final leg, moving from seventh place to secure the victory.

In individual events, Caroline Jepkorir set a personal best time of 17 minutes and 0.48 seconds in the women’s 5000m, finishing fourth. Kylah Madariaga followed closely behind, finishing fifth in 17 minutes and 0.54 seconds. Vicody Chepngetich finished ninth with a time of 17 minutes and 22.33 seconds, and Taylor Sletner finished 13th in 17 minutes and 48.78 seconds.

The WSU men’s DMR team of the Verges brothers, Kade Brownell, and Ku Stevens finished third with a time of 10 minutes and 5.69 seconds.

The MPSF Championships continue tomorrow, starting at 9 a.m. At the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Fans can follow the team on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wsucougartrack) or on X (@WSUCougarXCTF) and Instagram (@WSUCougarXCTF) for the latest updates.