ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Track & Field will be represented on the national stage as Ja-Van Poole and Kylei Anderson have officially qualified for the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field East First Round, hosted by the University of Kentucky from May 27-30 in Lexington, Ky.

Poole earned his spot in the regional field in the men's 400m hurdles after a historic season for the Golden Grizzlies. The Horizon League champion and back-to-back recipient of the Horizon League Alfreeda Goff Most Outstanding Men's Athlete award posted a school-record time of 49.80s in the event earlier this season. His mark ranks 10th nationally entering the regional competition.

The senior has continued to dominate the event throughout the outdoor season, collecting two Horizon League Men's Runner of the Week honors before capturing the conference title in the 400m hurdles at the league championships.

Poole will begin competition in the first round of the men's 400m hurdles on Wednesday, May 27 at 8:20 p.m. Quarterfinal action is scheduled for Friday, May 29 at 7:25 p.m.
Anderson punched her ticket to the NCAA East Regional in the women's 100m hurdles after breaking the Oakland school record at the Mount Union Last Chance Meet. She crossed the line in 13.37, securing her place among the East Region's top qualifiers.

The standout junior has put together a stellar outdoor campaign, highlighted by her Horizon League heptathlon championship and multiple school records throughout the season.
Anderson is set to compete in the first round of the women's 100m hurdles on Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. The quarterfinals will take place Saturday, May 30 at 6:15 p.m.