2025 Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships: Final Recap
VERMILLION, S.D. – The 2025 Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships concluded on a historic note, showcasing unprecedented performances at the Lillibridge Track Complex. Notably, the North Dakota State women’s team secured their 16th team title, while the South Dakota State men’s team captured their first outdoor championship. This victory allowed the Jackrabbits to become the first men’s team since Southern Utah in 2006–07 to achieve a sweep of cross country, indoor, and outdoor titles within the same academic year.
#SummitOTF Championship Day 3???#ReachTheSummit pic.twitter.com/JoNyC2ojvs
— The Summit League (@TheSummitLeague) May 18, 2025
Final Standings
Men’s Standings
| Place | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | South Dakota State | 197 |
| 2. | North Dakota State | 173 |
| 3. | South Dakota | 157 |
| 4. | St. Thomas | 87 |
| 5. | North Dakota | 83 |
| 6. | Oral Roberts | 60 |
| 7. | Kansas City | 58 |
Women’s Standings
| Place | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | North Dakota State | 222 |
| 2. | South Dakota | 175 |
| 3. | North Dakota | 162 |
| 4. | South Dakota State | 132 |
| 5. | St. Thomas | 101 |
| 6. | Kansas City | 15 |
| 7. | Omaha | 8 |
| 8. | Oral Roberts | 3 |
Individual Awards
Women’s Awards
- Newcomer of the Championship: Danika Apple, St. Thomas
- Field Championship MVP: Kenna Curry, North Dakota
- Track Championship MVP: Jadyn Keeler, North Dakota
- Scholar of the Championship presented by JLG Architects: Merrideth Spiers, North Dakota State
Men’s Awards
- Newcomer of the Championship: Ethan Thomas, North Dakota
- Field Championship MVP: Zack Ramos, North Dakota State
- Track Championship MVP: Abraham Chelangam, Oral Roberts
- Scholar of the Championship presented by JLG Architects: Evan Henderson, South Dakota State
Highlights on Individual Performers
Ethan Thomas of North Dakota made history by being the first Fighting Hawk to earn the Newcomer of the Championship award, amassing 19 points through podium finishes in multiple throwing events. Abraham Chelangam from Oral Roberts received the Track Championship MVP title for the second consecutive year after winning three distance races, setting a meet record in the 5,000 meters.
Zack Ramos clinched the Field Championship MVP title, showcasing his dominance in shot put and discus events. Notably, Danika Apple from St. Thomas gained recognition as her team’s first recipient of the Newcomer award, scoring significant points in several races.
Notable Performances
Reagan Baesler of North Dakota State defended her title in the women’s 1,500 meters, while Arienne Birch achieved back-to-back victories in the women’s high jump. South Dakota’s Sara Reifenrath distinguished herself by winning multiple titles and breaking her own meet record in the 200 meters.
Men’s champion performances include Mikael Grace, who set a new meet record in the men’s 110-meter hurdles, and James Pierce, who successfully defended his title in the men’s 400 meters.
Event Champions
Men’s Champions
- High Jump: Jordan Wenger, Oral Roberts – 6-11.00
- Shot Put: Zack Ramos, North Dakota State – 58-02.00
- Discus: Zack Ramos, North Dakota State – 182-03
- 5,000m: Abraham Chelangam, Oral Roberts – 14:07.10 (meet record)
Women’s Champions
- Shot Put: Kenna Curry, North Dakota – 51-06.25
- High Jump: Arienne Birch, North Dakota State – 6-00.00
- 5,000m: Jadyn Keeler, North Dakota – 16:09.70 (meet record)
Looking Ahead
The NCAA West Preliminary Rounds will take place from May 28–31 in College Station, Texas, hosted by Texas A&M, where the top 48 declared student-athletes and relay teams will compete for a chance to advance in the postseason.
