Jul 21, 2026

Three Loper stars compete Friday at U.S. Championships in NYC

Posted Jul 21, 2026 5:05 PM

Story UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney track and field program will be well represented at this week's USATF Outdoor & Para National Championships in New York City. 

The meet runs from Thurs.-Sun. (July 23-26) with "Loper Day" coming on Friday. Alumni Wes Ferguson (800-meters; 6:02 p.m. Central; finals 3:33 p.m. Central Sat.) and Lily Novacek (hammer; 7:10 p.m. Central) and senior-to-be Nolan Studley (high jump; 4:45 p.m. Central) all compete this day. Fans can watch the action via NBC, Peacock and USATF.tv. The championships are held at the 5,000-seat Icahan Stadium on Randall's Island.F

erguson comes into the meet with the fifth best time (1:44.41) in the 800 with the qualifying marks for Novacek being 66.44 meters and 2.19 meters for Studley. Ferguson won five national titles for the Lopers, Novacek two and Studley one to date.