SEARCY, Ark. – For the third time in program history and first since 2022, the eyes of the Great American Conference will be on Searcy as Harding University prepares to host the 2026 GAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Harding Track and Field Complex.
The three-day championship meet begins Wednesday and continues through Friday, with the Bisons and Lady Bisons entering the weekend with significant momentum following a historic, record-shattering showing in Fayetteville last week.
Championship Schedule The action kicks off Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., primarily focusing on the start of the multi-events. Thursday's session begins earlier at 9:30 a.m. as the multi-events conclude and field event trials begin. The championship reaches its peak on Friday, with a 10:30 a.m. start time leading into a full afternoon of track finals where conference champions will be crowned.
Bison Men Aim to Defend Home Turf The No. 8-ranked Harding men enter the meet as the favorites to secure another conference crown. The Bisons' roster is headlined by several national leaders, including senior Savian Bush, the top-ranked 110-meter hurdler in Division II.
In the field events, the Bisons will look for dominance from senior Vlad Malykhin in the pole vault and senior triple jumper Yves Bilong. Both athletes hold top-three national rankings and will be key pieces in the Bisons' quest for the team title. Freshman standout Artem Konovalenko also enters the weekend with momentum after a strong runner-up finish last week.
Lady Bisons Chasing History The No. 10-ranked Lady Bisons are coming off their most successful weekend of the season. Senior Tetiana Kharashchuk, fresh off breaking a 12-year-old school record in the 800-meter run (2:09.52), will lead a powerful mid-distance group into Friday's finals.
Harding will also lean on senior Cadence Sansom, who established a new school record in the pole vault last weekend at 4.12 meters. The Lady Bisons' depth is further bolstered by freshman javelin specialist Erika Konovalenko and steeplechase school-record holder Josie Parks.
Follow the Action Live results and a full schedule of events will be available throughout the week on HardingSports.com.
