Denis Kipngetich and Adisu Guadie qualify for NCAA Championships in 10,000 Meters on first day of NCAA West First Round

May 27, 2026 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Oklahoma State men's outdoor track & field kicked off action at the NCAA West First Round on Wednesday in Fayetteville, Ark., with a pair of Cowboys advancing to the NCAA Championships and two more moving onto the semifinals of their respective events.

True freshman Alex Riley opened the weekend for the Pokes in the men's 1,500 Meters, earning an automatic qualifying spot to Friday's quarterfinal with his time of 3:40.92 and a fifth-place finish in his heat. In Friday's quarterfinal, the top five of each heat plus the next two best times will advance to the semifinals in Eugene, Ore., in two weeks.

In the men's 800 Meters, senior Hafez Mahadi led most of the way, crossing the line at 1:47.48 and automatically qualifying with a top three finish in his heat. In the quarterfinal, the top three from each heat plus the next three best times will qualify for the semifinals.

Capping off the night in the men's 10,000 Meters, Cowboy juniors Denis Kipngetich and Adisu Guadie punched their tickets to the NCAA Championships with finishes of fourth and tenth, respectively. The top 12 finishers in Wednesday's semifinal advanced automatically to the final in Eugene. This is Kipngetich's third straight year qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 10,000 Meters, with Guadie making his second career appearance, the other coming in 2024.

Both Cowboys were each pivotal members of the 2025 Big 12 and NCAA title squad this past fall and will enter the NCAA Championships with top 10 marks in the NCAA this season in the 10K.

The Cowgirls will take center stage at the NCAA West First Round on Thursday, starting at 9 a.m. with the Hammer Throw. True freshman Burklie Burton is coming off a career performance, winning her first Big 12 title in just her third performance in a Cowgirl uniform.

For more information on the Cowboys and Cowgirls, continue to check back with okstate.com.

Men's Individual Results
1,500 Meters – First Round
17. Alex Riley – 3:40.92 q
36. Oliver Patton – 3:45.72
42. Keegan Thomas – 3:48.43
Shot Put – First Round
42. Michael Lunsford – 17.02 m/55'10.25"
400 Meters – First Round
25. Mason Page – 46.24
41. Charlie Thorne – 47.10
45. Will Bynum – 47.72
800 Meters – First Round
9. Hafez Mahadi – 1:47.48 Q
10,000 Meters – Semifinal
4. Denis Kipngetich – 28:48.46 Q
10. Adisu Guadie – 28:57.90 Q
20. Jacob Deacon – 29:22.21
32. Will Muirhead – 29:35.95

BOLD = Qualified for NCAA Championships