Production via Wyatt Barnsley On this week’s episode of The Stride Report Podcast, Ben and Garrett preview one of the biggest meets of the entire year -- the Bryan Clay Invitational -- while asking the big question: Just how fast can Jane Hedengren go over 5000 meters? The guys break down every major event on the schedule, including the 800 meters, 1500 meters, 5k, 10k and 3k steeplechase on both the men’s and women’s sides, highlighting top contenders, potential breakout performances and key NCAA implications. From record-chasing opportunities to deep, competitive fields across the board, this episode sets the stage for what could be another massive weekend of distance running. Be sure to listen, subscribe and review! (3:13) Bryan Clay Men’s 800m Preview (9:00) Bryan Clay Women’s 800m Preview (15:11) Bryan Clay Men’s 1500m Preview (23:18) Bryan Clay Women’s 1500m Preview (30:49) Bryan Clay Men’s 5k Preview (38:19) Bryan Clay Women’s 5k Preview (50:43) Bryan Clay Men’s 10k Preview (56:32) Bryan Clay Women’s 10k Preview (1:01:06) Bryan Clay Men’s Steeple Preview (1:06:21) Bryan Clay Women’s Steeple Preview You can listen to that episode (and others) on our PODCASTS  page! You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud. If you like it, be sure to leave us a rating  and a review ! Note: If you're having issues loading the episode on the site via mobile, try refreshing  the episode page. We will look into this issue for future episodes.

Written by Aimee Morganti, edits & additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin Mick Byrne, the University of Wisconsin’s Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, has announced his retirement from collegiate coaching. In doing so, he leaves a legacy that spans over 40 years, including 18 years with the Badgers and 24 years with the Iona Gaels. He will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 outdoor track season. In the press release, Byrne explained... “After spending 18 incredible years at Wisconsin and 24 at Iona, I am today announcing my retirement, effective at the conclusion of the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. It is time for me to return to New York and be with my family. Here at Wisconsin, I have been surrounded by an amazing staff who helped us win many championships. Their hard work and dedication made Wisconsin a special place to work. We had fun together. The student-athletes I had the privilege to coach here and at Iona made a huge impact on me throughout the years and I am a better today because of them.” Byrne’s coaching career, specifically at Wisconsin, resulted in his athletes and teams securing numerous honors. During his time in Madison, Byrne produced 121 All-Americans, 14 NCAA individual champions and nine NCAA XC Championship podium finishes. In 2011, he guided his men’s program to the team title at the NCAA XC Championships, winning gold over Oklahoma State, 97 points to 139 points. Often viewed as a long distance powerhouse at the national level, the Wisconsin men recorded three-consecutive top-three podium finishes from 2010 to 2012 in cross country. In 2018, Byrne coached Australian Morgan McDonald who went on to win the individual cross country national title on Wisconsin's home course. Mick Byrne holding the 4th place team trophy on the podium at the 2024 NCAA XC Championships // Photo via Andrew LeMay Byrne leaves the NCAA as the winningest cross country coach in the history of the BIG 10 after his men's squads claimed 14 conference team titles. Additionally, he coached 95 individual BIG 10 champions, secured four BIG 10 track and field team titles and led his athletes to setting 45 school records. Before his career with the Badgers, Byrne coached the men’s cross country program at Iona University for 24 years. There, he led the Gaels to historic levels of success with 12 national meet appearances and 17-consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles. University of Wisconsin has stated that they are beginning their national search for the program's next head coach.

Rankings crafted via Ellie Clark Spring has sprung and so have our 2026 sprint and hurdle rankings for the outdoor track season! Just like the winter months, we've crafted lists of our top-25 sprints and hurdles stars from around the NCAA (Division One). We also added a few "Just Missed" and "Honorable Mention" names as well. Go check out our new series of rankings by clicking the below graphic! Have any interest in contributing to our sprints and hurdles team? Be sure to check out our OPEN ROLES page  and apply!

Written by Aimee Morganti, edits & additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin Pat Tyson, Gonzaga’s Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, is set to retire at the conclusion of the 2027 outdoor track and field season after 19 years with the program. Tyson’s leadership led to program records falling across every single distance spanning cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. He specifically oversaw the men’s team. On his upcoming retirement, Tyson explained... “After 19 incredible years with our Zag runners, I’ve decided that next season will be my “victory lap” before passing the baton to the next leader of this special program. Gonzaga has been an amazing place to coach, and I’m deeply grateful for the athletes, alumni, colleagues, and friends who have made these years so meaningful. Being part of this program and the lives of so many student-athletes has truly been the honor of a lifetime.” During his time with the Bulldogs, Tyson’s guidance has produced multiple All-American accolades among top individuals such as James Mwaura (10k and cross country) and Troy Fraley (3000-meter steeplechase). It should also be noted that Wil Smith and Mwaura both qualified for the 2024 Olympic Trials over 10,000 meters. But maybe more impressive is the fact that Gonzaga’s cross country teams (men and women) finished in the top-28 at the NCAA XC Championships on five occasions across the 2020 to 2024 seasons. Tyson’s best finish was at the 2022 NCAA XC Championships where his men’s team earned 13th place in the nation. At the conference level, Tyson led his men’s team to gold for the first time ever at the West Coast Conference XC Championships in 2023. As a result of Tyson's upcoming retirement, Coach Jake Stewart has been named as the new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field for the Gonzaga programs. He is set to be elevated from his current position as the head coach of women’s cross country and track and field to the role in July 2027. Stewart has grown Gonzaga's distance program under Tyson’s guidance for the past eight years, guiding his athletes to two All-American accolades and 10 national meet qualifications. Incoming Director Jake Stewart stated , “My family and I are incredibly grateful to Chris Standiford and Shannon Strahl for the opportunity to lead Gonzaga’s combined cross country and track and field program beginning in July 2027. I also want to sincerely thank Pat Tyson for his support in bringing the programs together and for the remarkable foundation he has built throughout his career at Gonzaga as he prepares for retirement. We are excited to build on that legacy.”

Written by Aimee Morganti, edits & additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin North Dakota's Jadyn Keeler, a 26th place All-American from the 2025 cross country season, has inked a "Name, Image & Likeness" (NIL) deal with Adidas. The Canadian distance star announced the signing via Instagram on Friday. Keeler joins Adidas’ star-studded NIL roster which includes NC State’s Hannah Gapes, NC State's Angelina Napoleon, NC State's Grace Hartman, Penn State’s Handal Roban and South Carolina’s Jaouad Khchina, among others. In her announcement post via Instagram, Jadyn Keeler stated ... “I’m thrilled to announce my NIL partnership with Adidas! So grateful for the opportunity to represent a brand that I truly believe in and have relied on in my training the past 5 years. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this process and in my running journey, especially 3milesports! Proud to take my next strides in the Three Stripe Life!” At the 2025 NCAA XC Championships, Keeler secured her first All-American accolade with a 26th place finish. That same season, Keeler also won the 2025 edition of the Roy Griak Invitational. The North Dakota distance star has qualified for the national meet on three other occasions. Keeler finished 10th place over 5000 meters in a time of 15:31 at her first-ever NCAA Indoor Championship (in 2025). The Canadian also took 16th place over 10,000 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, also in 2025. Recently, she competed at the 2026 indoor national meet where she earned a 12th place finish over 5000 meters. Jadyn Keeler competing at the NCAA XC Championships // Photo via Andrew LeMay Jadyn Keeler is 10-time Summit League champion between the mile, the 3000 meters, the 3000-meter steeplechase, the 5000 meters, the 10,000 meters and in cross country from 2024 to 2026. Nationally, she holds two U23 Canadian records between the indoor 5000 meters and the 10,000 meters on the outdoor oval. Keeler holds a personal best of 15:14.76 at the 2025 Boston U. Season Opener. However, maybe more importantly, the North Dakota standout recently posted a time of 31:56.03 at the 2026 Stanford Invitational. In doing so, she bettered her own Canadian U23 record and now sits at NCAA #19 all-time in the event. Internationally, Jadyn Keeler was the 2025 Pan American Junior Games champion over 10,000 meters as well as the runner-up finisher over 5000 meters.

Photo via Kevin Sanchez Written by Aimee Morganti, edits & additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin Earlier this week, Notre Dame's Sophie Novak announced via Instagram that she has signed a "Name, Image and Likeness," (NIL) deal with Under Armour. It should also be noted that Under Armour is the primary sponsor of Notre Dame Athletics. In her announcement, Novak explained ... “Beyond excited to announce my NIL partnership with @uarunning! Grateful for the opportunity to truly represent a brand that I’ve loved these past few years. Looking forward to what’s ahead.” Recently, Novak placed 3rd over 1500 meters at the 2026 Raleigh Relays in an incredible new personal best of 4:08 (1500). The Notre Dame star has carried her momentum to the outdoor oval after setting new personal bests of 4:26 (mile), 2:03 (800) and 15:53 (5k) while racing unattached this past winter. Novak's first All-American accolade came after a runner-up finish in the DMR at the 2024 NCAA Indoor Championships. The Fighting Irish standout also earned a 7th place All-American honor in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The Notre Dame athlete has also made two cross country national meet appearances and was a part of a 4th place podium team finish at the 2023 NCAA XC Championships. The Fighting Irish athlete won the 2025 Drake Relays title in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:28.98. And at the 2025 Sound Running Track Fest, Novak raced against professionals to secure a 3rd place finish in the same event to earn a tremendous personal best of 9:23.04. It should also be noted that Novak competed at 2024 Olympic Trials in the 3000-meter steeplechase.