Sky-High Success: Air Force Men Secure Third Consecutive MW Outdoor Title with Dominant Performance
Air Force’s men’s track and field team secured their third consecutive Mountain West Outdoor title with ease on May 11, concluding three days of conference competition. They achieved the second-highest winning score in nearly two decades, outpacing their competitors by the largest margin since 2009.
With a total of 226.50 points, Air Force dominated the championship, leading by a substantial 69-point margin to clinch their eighth outdoor title in the last 12 championship meets. The men’s team showcased their prowess with nine podium finishes and a remarkable 22 scoring performances on Championship Saturday.
Highlighting their achievement were individual titles by Darek Hackett in the 400-meter hurdles and Texas Tanner in the discus throw. Tanner’s victory marked the third time an Air Force athlete claimed the MW title in the discus, while Hackett’s record-setting performance solidified his status as a standout in the conference.
Junior Javin Bostic contributed to Air Force’s success with two individual silver medals and a stellar performance in the 4×100-meter relay alongside his teammates. Additionally, Hackett’s leadership extended to the high hurdle event, where he led a trio of Falcons to scoring finishes.
In various track and field events, Air Force athletes continued to excel, with notable performances by Sean Maison, Ben Scheller, Eli Bennett, and others. The team’s comprehensive success was evident as they scored in every field event contested on Saturday.
While the women’s team finished 10th with 34 points, junior Ally Peterson’s bronze medal in the 5000-meter run showcased individual excellence.
As the season progresses, Air Force athletes are set to compete in the NCAA West Prelims in Fayetteville, Arkansas, from May 22 to 25.
