FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Habtom Samuel and Evans Kiplagat punched their tickets to NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 10,000m and Matthew Endrody advanced from 1,500m First Round action to close out the first day of competition at NCAA West Region Prelims on Wednesday at John McDonnell Track.
After holding off a late challenge to win the 10K Semifinal in 28:42.53, Samuel advances to NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 10,000m for the third year in a row – he won the national title in the event in 2024 and finished as national runner-up in 2025. He’ll also contest the 5,000m Semifinal on Friday – the distance in which he set the collegiate record on Sunday – in hopes of locking up the double qualification.
Habtom Samuel holds off a late challenge to remain unbeaten this outdoor season and punch his ticket to @NCAATrackField Outdoor Championships ✅
— New Mexico XC/T&F (@UNMLoboXCTF) May 28, 2026
Evans Kiplagat finishes just behind in 8th place to secure a spot in Eugene for the first time in his career. pic.twitter.com/V8R3ufkyQx
Behind him, Kiplagat (28:56.77) finished eighth to secure his own qualification for NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time in his career.
In other First Round action, Levente Soos (400m Hurdles, 26th) and Thomas Termote (10,000m, 42nd) concluded their 2026 outdoor seasons after finishing just shy of advancing. Vincent Chirchir (10,000m, 14th) finished just shy of qualifying in tonight’s 10K but will return on Friday to run the 5,000m.
The men’s pole vault – originally scheduled for Wednesday night – was delayed due to weather, with Arian Milicija now returning to compete Thursday afternoon at 1:40 p.m. MT.
Tomorrow’s competition gets underway for UNM with Milicija in the pole vault, with Adryana Shelby up first for the women in the 100 hurdles prelims at 5 p.m. MT. This week's action will be streamed via ESPN+, with live results available via GoLobos.com/TrackResults. Follow @UNMLoboXCTF for meet day updates, behind-the-scenes content and comprehensive coverage of New Mexico Track & Field.
Men’s 1,500 Meters - First Round
9. Matthew Endrody - 3:40.08 (Q)
34. Joshua Abraham - 3:45.56
Endrody looked in control as he finished third in his heat to open up the Lobos’ day in Fayetteville, securing his advancement to quarterfinals for the second season in a row, crossing just .45 seconds behind the top time of the day from BYU’s Carter Cutting (3:39.63). He’ll return Friday to compete for his first NCAA Outdoor Championship appearance after finishing sixth in the Mile at NCAA Indoor Championships in March.
Abraham (3:45.56) finished 10th in the opening heat and 34th overall to conclude his season.
Men’s 400m Hurdles - First Round
26. Levente Soos - 51.23
Soos was just the third man out of advancing to Friday’s quarterfinals after making it through last season, crossing fifth in a fast second heat with four qualifiers to end his season with a 51.23 performance.
Men’s 10,000 Meters - Semifinal
1. Habtom Samuel - 28:42.53 (Q)
8. Evans Kiplagat - 28:56.77 (Q)
14. Vincent Chirchir - 29:06.02
42. Thomas Termote - 30:22.35
Samuel remained undefeated against collegiate competition this academic year with a dominant showing in his best distance, finishing in 28:42.53 to keep a comfortable distance between himself and second-place finisher Ernest Cheruiyot of Arkansas, who pushed Samuel to a 55.92 bell lap.
With his qualification, he’ll return to Eugene for the third consecutive year in an event in which he’s never finished below second in the nation, likely entering as the heavy favorite. He’ll look to qualify for the 5,000m for the third year in a row in Friday’s semifinal.
Kiplagat will also get a chance to secure a double qualification after his eighth-place finish (28:56.77) ensured he’ll make it all the way to the NCAA Outdoor Final for the first time in his career, as will Vincent Chirchir (29:06.02), who narrowly missed out on the 12-man cut.