2026 NJAC OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL

MAHWAH, NJ --- Rowan leads both the women’s and men’s scoring after the first day of the 2026 NJAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
 
The Prof women hold a 78.5 to 65 lead over current second-place team Stockton, while the men hold a 93-80 lead over current second-place TCNJ.
 
Rowan’s Damitrius Hester led all performances on Saturday, with a meet record throw of 73.38 meters in the javelin, besting the previous record of 69.11 meters set by Rutgers-Camden’s Tim VanLiew in 2013.
 
The Profs combined for five gold medals on the first day, including Hester’s win along with Josh Caudill (hammer), Ethan Plut (pole vault), Emily Zanni (3000m steeplechase), and Bree Cooney (hammer).
 
Stockton also picked up a combined three golds, with Eva Morrison (pole vault), Joie Buxton (javelin), and Ahmad Fogg (long jump) earning individual champion honors.
 
TCNJ earned two golds on the men’s side and added one on the women’s side, including Evan Melito (10k), Ryan Segalla (3000m steeplechase), and Lia Malave (long jump).
 
Montclair State’s Abigail Churchill won the first gold of the meet with her win in the 10k.
 
The meet continues on Sunday, with the multis starting at 10:00 AM, the field events at noon, and track event finals at 1:30 PM.
 
 
Women’s Individual Champions on Day 1:
 
10K: Abigail Churchill, Montclair State
3000m Steeplechase: Emily Zanni, Rowan
Long Jump: Lia Malave, TCNJ
Pole Vault: Eva Morrison, Stockton
Hammer Throw: Bree Cooney, Rowan
Javelin: Joie Buxton, Stockton
 
Men’s Individual Champions on Day 1:
10K: Evan Melito, TCNJ
3000m Steeplechase: Ryan Segalla, TCNJ
Long Jump: Ahmad Fogg, Stockton
Pole Vault: Ethan Plut, Rowan
Hammer Throw: Josh Caudill, Rowan
Javelin: Damitrus Hester, Rowan (73.38, Meet Record)