5 Reasons Ball State Track And Field Is Poised For A MAC Championship Title In 2025-2026

The Ball State University Track and Field program is currently riding a massive wave of momentum, fueled by recent championship success, a dynamic coaching staff, and a multi-million-dollar commitment to facilities. As of December 17, 2025, the Cardinals are not just competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC); they are consistently finishing in the top tier, setting the stage for a potential championship breakthrough in the 2025-2026 season. The team's recent performances in both indoor and outdoor MAC Championships, combined with a roster full of record-setting athletes, have generated significant buzz around Muncie, Indiana, making the Cardinals a must-watch program in collegiate athletics.

The foundation of this success lies in a culture of excellence established by the leadership and the standout achievements of key student-athletes who are consistently rewriting the program’s record books. From the sprints and hurdles to the combined events, Ball State is demonstrating the depth and talent required to challenge for the MAC title.

The Cardinals' Championship Pedigree and Key Athlete Roster

Ball State has solidified its position as a major contender in the MAC, consistently earning high marks at the conference championships. In the 2024 season, the team secured an impressive 3rd place finish at the MAC Outdoor Championships, scoring 103 points, and tied for 4th place at the MAC Indoor Championships with a score of 70.5. This sustained, top-half performance is a testament to the program's depth across all event groups.

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The roster for the 2025-2026 season is packed with proven talent, establishing a strong topical authority in various disciplines:

• Kenli Nettles (Heptathlon): Nettles is the reigning MAC Heptathlon Champion, a title that marks the fifth consecutive Heptathlon win for a Ball State athlete. She has consistently set personal records (PRs) and qualified for the NCAA Division I East First Round, demonstrating elite national-level ability in the combined events. Her winning score in the Heptathlon at the Gibson Invitational was 5517 points.
• Kennedy Batts (Sprints/Hurdles): A standout in the hurdles, Batts holds a personal best of 13.86 in the 100-meter hurdles (100H). She is a key component of the 4x100-meter relay team and has been recognized for her academic success, earning a spot on the Academic All-MAC Team.
• Other Notable Entities:
  • Trinity Bibbs: A key sprinter who showed immediate impact in her college debut.
  • Jenna Oriani & Aaleiah Winford: Crucial members of the successful 4x100-meter relay squad.
  • Karlie Zumbro: A top competitor in the 400-meter hurdles (400H).
  • Juliana Stogsdill: A distance runner specializing in the 3000-meter steeplechase (3000S).
  • Maddie Aul: A distance specialist in the 10,000-meter event.

The Dynamic Leadership of Head Coach Adrian Wheatley

The trajectory of the Ball State Track and Field program is inextricably linked to the leadership of Head Coach Adrian Wheatley. Wheatley, who previously served as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina, was tabbed as the Cardinals' head coach to continue the program's upward climb. His philosophy is centered on developing championship-caliber athletes both on and off the track.

Coach Wheatley is supported by a dedicated staff that provides expertise across all facets of the sport, ensuring a holistic approach to athlete development. The coaching staff includes Assistant Track & Field Coach Chris Riggs, Assistant Coach Angelina Ramos, and Graduate Assistant Holly Hankerson. This combined expertise in sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws is instrumental in attracting and developing high-caliber recruits.

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The coaching team's focus on technical refinement, strength and conditioning, and mental toughness has been a significant factor in the team's consistent improvement and its ability to secure multiple MAC titles in event groups like the Heptathlon.

A New Era: The Eric Foss Championship Performance Center

Perhaps the most significant factor driving the excitement around Ball State Athletics is the transformational investment in new facilities. Construction is currently underway on the state-of-the-art Eric Foss Championship Performance Center, a project that is set to revolutionize the training environment for the Track and Field program.

Slated to open in 2026, this new performance center is part of a massive upgrade to the university's athletic infrastructure, impacting at least 80% of Ball State's sports programs. The facility, which was approved by the Board of Trustees, is a multi-million dollar commitment designed to provide student-athletes with the most advanced tools for success, reflecting Ball State's dedication to championship performance.

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The new center will complement the existing Briner Sports Complex, which already provides excellent outdoor facilities for the team. The combination of the new indoor training center with the current outdoor complex will give Ball State a competitive edge in recruiting and year-round athlete development, ensuring that the Cardinals can train at an elite level regardless of the weather. This upgrade is a clear signal of the university’s ambition to dominate the MAC conference in the coming years.

Looking Ahead: The 2025-2026 Schedule and Beyond

The 2025-2026 schedule is already taking shape, with the team preparing for a demanding slate of competitions designed to peak for the MAC Championships. Early indoor season events are scheduled for December 2025, including the GVSU Holiday Open and the BGSU Tom Wright Open. These early meets are crucial for setting baseline marks and qualifying for the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships in March 2026.

The program's focus remains on consistent performance across all events, from the 60-meter hurdles (60H), where athletes like Kenli Nettles have already posted strong marks, to the field events like the Shot Put (SP). With a core group of seniors and juniors providing leadership, and a fresh batch of talent entering the program, the Cardinals are positioned to improve on their 2024 results and make a serious run at the MAC Championship title.

The combination of elite coaching under Adrian Wheatley, the proven success of athletes like Kenli Nettles and Kennedy Batts, and the imminent opening of the state-of-the-art Eric Foss Championship Performance Center provides a compelling case. Ball State Track and Field is no longer a dark horse; they are a perennial contender building toward a championship destiny.