The University of Toledo track and field program split its focus across two states this past weekend, delivering a series of strong performances at the Duke Invitational in North Carolina and the We Fly Challenge in Indiana. The Rockets utilized the dual-meet structure to test a wide range of athletes, from seasoned distance runners to emerging freshmen, as they fine-tune their form for the late-season stretch.
The weekend was defined by a high volume of top-20 finishes and several standout individual efforts. Even as the men focused on endurance and technical precision in the distance events in Durham, the women’s squad showcased explosive speed in Muncie, marking a productive chapter in their 2026 campaign.
For the Rockets, the strategy of diversifying their presence at these meets allowed the coaching staff to gather critical data on multiple disciplines simultaneously. The results indicate a balanced progression across the roster, with particular strength emerging in the 400m and the steeplechase.
Breakthroughs at the We Fly Challenge
In Muncie, Indiana, the Rockets’ women’s squad made a significant impact at the We Fly Challenge. The standout performer of the meet was freshman Sydney Stepanovich, who signaled her arrival as a force in the sprint category. Stepanovich secured a fifth-place finish in the 400m, crossing the line with a final time of 57.52.
The 400m event proved to be a strong point for Toledo, as the program placed three athletes in the top 20. Bralynn Dunn followed Stepanovich with a 12th-place finish and a time of 58.54, while Alissa Magato rounded out the trio in 17th place with a mark of 59.75. This depth in the quarter-mile event suggests a growing competitiveness for the Rockets in mid-distance sprints.
Bralynn Dunn further extended her influence on the meet by competing in the 100m dash. She secured a ninth-place finish clocking in at 12.42. Other notable contributions included Hailey Slagle, who competed in both the 100m (29th place, 12.91) and the 200m (33rd place, 26.79), and Alissa Magato, who also placed 32nd in the 200m with a time of 26.75.
Distance Dominance at the Duke Invitational
While the sprinters were battling in Indiana, the men’s distance contingent traveled to Durham, N.C., for the Duke Invitational. The focus here was on the grueling 5000m and the technically demanding 3000m steeplechase, both of which saw the Rockets place athletes high in the overall standings.
Sibonelo Khumalo emerged as the leader for the Rockets in the 5000m, navigating a competitive field to take seventh place overall. Khumalo finished with a time of 13:56.36, providing a benchmark for the team’s long-distance capabilities. He was supported by Peter McMahon, who finished 28th (14:26.32), and Ronald Neal, who placed 53rd (14:46.09).
The 3000m steeplechase—an event that requires not only aerobic capacity but also the agility to clear hurdles and water jumps—yielded two top-15 finishes for Toledo. Max Matolin delivered a standout performance, claiming fourth place with a mark of 8:59.99. Loann Brelivet also performed strongly, finishing 15th with a time of 9:16.30.
Performance Summary: Key Results
| Athlete | Event | Place | Mark/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Matolin | 3000m Steeplechase | 4th | 8:59.99 |
| Sydney Stepanovich | 400m | 5th | 57.52 |
| Sibonelo Khumalo | 5000m | 7th | 13:56.36 |
| Bralynn Dunn | 100m | 9th | 12.42 |
| Bralynn Dunn | 400m | 12th | 58.54 |
Strategic Implications and Path Forward
The decision to split the team between the Duke Invitational and the We Fly Challenge reflects a calculated approach to the collegiate track and field season. By targeting specific events at different venues, the University of Toledo athletic program can maximize the exposure of its athletes to different levels of competition and track surfaces.
The success of freshman Sydney Stepanovich is particularly noteworthy. In collegiate athletics, a freshman capable of placing in the top five at a regional challenge suggests a high ceiling for growth as she enters the peak of the season. Similarly, Max Matolin’s sub-9-minute performance in the steeplechase places him in a competitive bracket for upcoming championships.
These results serve as a critical building block for the Rockets as they transition from mid-season tune-ups to high-stakes invitationals. The consistency in the top 20 across various disciplines indicates that the program is developing a broad base of talent rather than relying on a single standout star.
Toledo is now shifting its focus toward two upcoming engagements. The program will return to action from Thursday to Saturday, April 16-18. The athletes will divide their attention once again, with some heading to Allendale, Michigan, for the 55th Annual GINA Relays, and others traveling to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for the Wake Forest Invitational.
These upcoming meets will be essential for athletes looking to shave seconds off their personal bests and for coaches looking to finalize their rosters for the postseason. Fans and followers can track official updates and full rosters via the Toledo Rockets athletics portal.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the Rockets’ progress in the comments below and share this update with the Toledo community.
