Track and Field Brings Home Two All-American Finishes from NAIA Nationals

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Texas A&M University-Texarkana track and field program sent three Eagles to compete at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, held May 20-22. Texas A&M University-Texarkana was represented on the national stage by Vinae Edwards in the women's triple jump, Desroy Jordan in the men's 400m, and Jayden Erikewe in the men's 400m hurdles. The Eagles delivered an impressive showing, bringing home two NAIA All-American honors.

Jayden Erikewe was the first Eagle to compete, taking the track on May 20 in the men's 400m hurdles preliminaries. Running in Heat 2, Lane 7, Erikewe posted a new personal-best time of 51.35 to finish second in his heat and qualify for the finals with one of the top four overall times. In the championship final on May 22, Erikewe raced in Lane 2 and earned a sixth-place finish against the NAIA's top competitors, securing NAIA All-American honors.

Vinae Edwards was the lone field athlete representing the Eagles at the outdoor national championships. The freshman from Los Angeles, California qualified for both the NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships in the triple jump during her debut collegiate season. Edwards entered nationals with a season-best mark of 12.19m, achieved at the Ole Miss Classic. Competing in Flight 2, Edwards recorded a jump of 12.12m to claim a national runner-up finish and earn NAIA All-American honors, capping off an outstanding freshman campaign.

Desroy Jordan competed in the men's 400m preliminaries on May 21. The freshman from Saint Vincent also qualified for both the NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships in the 400m this season. Following a weather delay that pushed events later into the evening, Jordan competed in the final heat from Lane 3 and posted a time of 49.24, narrowly missing qualification for the finals.

The Eagles' strong performances on the national stage capped off a successful inaugural outdoor season for the program, highlighted by numerous national and conference accolades across the roster. The season established a strong foundation for the continued growth and success of TAMUT track and field.