The National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association has announced a two-year agreement with Asbury University to host the Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in 2026 and 2027. The event will bring more than 20 colleges and 400 student-athletes to campus on May 6-8.
Planning for the championship has already begun, according to Asbury’s Director of Athletic Communications & Events, Matthew Johnson.
“There have been preparations going on,” said Johnson. “We’re pretty much three months out and we’re already going through and planning, which shows the magnitude of how important and how serious the NCCAA takes their championships, and us as well.”
The event will be held at the Gray Outdoor Venue, which was dedicated on June 21, 2025. This spring will bring the first track and field season since the facility was fully opened.
“On a national stage it gives our university some attention to showcase who we are and that we are capable of hosting an event like this,” said Johnson.
The NCCAA and Asbury are closely aligned in values, making this partnership ideal for both parties. Johnson cited the example of the NCCAA’s motto being “King Chasing” and Asbury Athletic’s motto of “Serve, train, compete for the glory of God” representing that both programs aim to allow students to glorify Him through their determination and discipline.
“I would want visitors to know what we stand for, the mission of what we do. A university and athletics department that truly puts the Lord in the competition field and what that looks like. Our student athletes do a very good job at it in their everyday life, but I want people to know what honoring Christ in competition looks like,” said Johnson.
Asbury’s track and field program has grown steadily since its launch in 2023. The men’s and women’s teams began with a combined 31 athletes and at times struggled to put together relay teams to compete. For the 2026 season, there will be 47 runners total.
“I’ve seen Asbury’s track team grow in 3 main ways: numbers-wise, depth-wise and spiritually,” said junior track and field athlete Bailey Gassmann. “I’ve seen a lot of investment from the coaches to make this happen. They’ve put a lot of time and effort into training and recruiting to get us where we are now.”
For the students on the team, hosting the championship at home brings added excitement.
“I think a lot of us were pretty surprised to learn that the NCCAA National Championship will be at home this year,” said Gassman. “We’re super excited for it though, and I think getting to be here at Asbury is going to bring a really cool level of energy to the meet for all of us. It will be exciting to get to host a bunch of neighboring teams at the same time and enjoy our new facility.”
The event takes place after the spring semester ends, once students have moved out for the summer. However, anyone is welcome to spectate the competition and Wilmore residents are encouraged to come support the students.
