NEW ORLEANS – Fresh off securing nine entries to the NCAA Division II National Championships, the Harding men's track and field team received more accolades Thursday as the USTFCCCA announced its All-Region honorees for the 2026 outdoor season.
Eight Bisons combined for nine All-Central Region selections. To earn All-Region honors, an athlete must rank among the top five in the region in their respective individual events or be part of a top-three relay team.
THE REGIONAL LEADERS
Senior Vlad Malykhin leads the way as the Central Region's top performer in the pole vault. Malykhin's season-best clearance of 5.56m (18-3) at the Arkansas Twilight not only ranks him No. 1 in the region but also No. 2 in all of Division II.
The Bisons were particularly dominant in the Triple Jump and the distance events, placing two athletes in the regional top five in both categories:
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Triple Jump: Senior Yves Bilong ranks No. 2 in the region (16.20m), followed by freshman Artem Konovalenko at No. 4 (15.52m).
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Distance: Freshman standout Benson Lingokal earned All-Region honors in two events. He ranks No. 2 in the Central Region in both the 5,000 meters (14:08.10) and the 10,000 meters (28:45.43).
SPRINT AND FIELD EXCELLENCE
Harding's depth across the board was reflected in the remaining honors:
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110m Hurdles: Senior Savian Bush earned All-Region status with the No. 2 time in the Central (13.59).
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200m Dash: Sophomore Caledon Ruwende is ranked No. 2 in the region following his blistering 20.66 performance in Fayetteville.
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Pole Vault: Junior Everett Mumme joined Malykhin on the list, ranking No. 4 in the region (5.30m).
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Javelin: Senior Casen Hammitt claimed All-Region honors with the No. 4 throw in the Central (69.48m).
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND
All eight All-Region honorees are part of the nine-man contingent traveling to Emporia, Kansas, for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. The high regional rankings suggest the Bisons are in prime position to compete for podium spots and All-American status.
Competition begins Thursday, May 21, at Emporia State's Welch Stadium.
Harding Men's All-Central Region Honorees:
