(Written by MIAA Publicity Office)

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Calvin University was selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Men's Outdoor Track & Field Preseason Poll after earning seven first-place votes, with Hope College and defending champion Trine University rounding out the top three.

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced the preseason poll following a vote of the league's eight head coaches. The rankings highlight a strong group of conference champions, All-Region performers, and national-level competitors set to take the track and field this spring.

Calvin enters the outdoor season after placing second at the 2025 MIAA Outdoor Championships with 205 points. The Knights feature a deep and experienced lineup across distance, sprints, and field events.

Senior Thaine Nederveld leads the group after sweeping the 5000m and 10,000m titles last season, earning MIAA Most Valuable Men's Outdoor Track Athlete honors and All-Region recognition in the 5000m. Junior Bob Horton adds strength in the hurdles after capturing the 400m hurdles title and earning All-Region honors. Senior Koby VanderWoude recorded runner-up finishes in both the 400m dash and 4x400m relay, while junior Zach Van Baren placed second in the decathlon and earned All-Region honors. The 4x400m relay unit also returns sophomore Benjamin Habers and senior Connor Lubberts. Junior Luke Nguyen brings field event depth after finishing second in the triple jump.
 

2026 MIAA Men's Outdoor Track & Field Preseason Poll:
1. Calvin University - 49 points (7 first-place votes)
2. Hope College - 43 points (1 first-place vote)
3. Trine University - 37 points
4. Albion College - 31 points
5. Adrian College - 21 points
6. The University of Olivet - 20 points
7. Kalamazoo College - 14 points
8. Alma College - 9 points