The Eastern Kentucky University track and field program is preparing for a high-intensity two-day stretch in North Carolina, as 33 athletes travel to Winston-Salem for the Wake Forest Invitational this Thursday and Friday.
Representing the maroon and white across 15 different events, the Colonels arrive at one of the region’s most competitive meets looking to build momentum during the heart of their outdoor season. The squad features a strategic mix of seasoned NCAA-level competitors and emerging freshmen who have already begun to make a mark on the ASUN Conference standings.
For many of the athletes, the trip to Wake Forest is as much about personal benchmarks as it is about team points. With a roster that spans from explosive field events to grueling long-distance races, the Colonels are utilizing the invitational to fine-tune their form ahead of the conference championships.
Distance Specialists and Freshman Momentum
One of the primary storylines heading into the meet is the continued rise of Brighter Jepchumba. The freshman has already established herself as a force in the distance category, having previously earned ASUN Freshman of the Week honors. Jepchumba is slated to compete in the 5,000-meter run on Thursday night, where she will be joined by teammate Morgan Kobylinski.
On the men’s side, the Colonels are banking on the return of Taha Er Raouy in the 1,500 meters. Er Raouy has a proven track record of success in Winston-Salem; a season ago, he clocked an impressive 3:41.24 in the same event. He will lead a trio of middle-distance runners on Friday, competing alongside teammates Bradley Giblin and Hamish Murray.
The distance contingent’s schedule is particularly demanding on Thursday evening, with events stretching late into the night. Cosmas Kiprop and Mario Priego will tackle the 10,000 meters at 10:00 PM, followed shortly by a deep group of men in the 5,000-meter open, including Miguel Baidal, Ty Blair, Mohammed Jouhari, Brian Kimutai, Griffin Staude, and the Vega brothers, German and Tomas.
NCAA Pedigree in the Steeplechase
Perhaps the most anticipated individual performance comes from Kristian Imroth. Imroth enters the meet with significant expectations after a standout performance at the NCAA Championships a season ago, where he finished 12th overall.
Imroth is scheduled to make his season debut in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on Thursday at 8:40 PM. The steeplechase is one of the most technically demanding events in track and field, requiring a blend of endurance and agility to navigate hurdles and water jumps. His presence in the event provides a veteran anchor for the EKU distance squad.
He will be preceded in the women’s steeplechase by Khadija Ennasri and Ann Kiplagat, who are expected to set the tone for the Colonels’ endurance efforts early Thursday evening.
Strength in the Field: Shot Put and Hammer
While the track events often draw the most attention, EKU is bringing a formidable presence to the field. The program has designated a “plethora of throwers” for this meet, focusing heavily on the shot put and hammer throw.
In the shot put, Matt See and Lariah Wooden are the headliners. The shot put requires immense explosive power, and both athletes are looking to post marks that will be competitive on a national scale. The women’s shot put rotation is particularly deep, featuring a group that includes Eliza Hoffman, Lexi Lawless, Amya Livingston, Ava Phillips, Kristan Simmons, and Wooden.
The hammer throw will see a similar concentration of talent. On Thursday, Senda Garma, JJ Love, and Daroyce Flemons will lead the charge. The hammer throw is a rhythmic, high-velocity event where a single mistake in the circle can be the difference between a personal best and a foul.
EKU Event Headliners
| Athlete | Event | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Kristian Imroth | 3,000m Steeplechase | Thursday |
| Brighter Jepchumba | 5,000m Run | Thursday |
| Taha Er Raouy | 1,500m Run | Friday |
| Lariah Wooden | Shot Put | Friday |
| JJ Love | Hammer Throw | Thursday |
The Two-Day Timeline
The schedule for the EKU Track & Field Wake Forest Invitational is split across two distinct phases. Thursday is heavily weighted toward the distance and hammer events, with a grueling late-night finish for the 5,000m and 10,000m runners.
Friday shifts the focus toward the shorter distance races and the remaining field events. The day begins at 11:30 AM with Alex Camarca in the men’s javelin throw, followed by the 1,500-meter races for both women (Edna Chelulei and Metrine Serem) and men. The meet will conclude with the shot put events, ending with the men’s competition featuring JJ Love and Matt See at 8:15 PM.
This structure allows the coaching staff to monitor athlete fatigue and maximize recovery between the high-impact field events and the aerobic demands of the track.
As the Colonels compete in Winston-Salem, they are not just chasing wins, but chasing the qualifying standards necessary for postseason contention. The Wake Forest Invitational serves as a critical litmus test for the team’s current fitness levels and technical execution.
The program will seem to release full results and personal bests shortly after the conclusion of the men’s shot put on Friday night. The team’s next confirmed objective will be the remaining regular-season meets leading into the ASUN Conference Championships.
Do you have a favorite EKU athlete to watch this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.
