By: UC Sports Information
Williamsburg, KY – The Cumberlands athletics department capped off their 2025-26 season with three top-finishes, including capturing the 2026 NAIA Men's Outdoor Track & Field Championships. That success including capturing four individual and one relay national championship, leading to Heather Durrant, Lucien Beardsley, Tavon Davis, and Luca Madeo being named the Pepsi Athletes of the Week, the athletic department announced Monday.
Heather Durrant earned Athlete of the Week honors after capturing a national title in the 5k racewalk. The junior pulled away from the field and crossed the line in 24:32.23 to capturing the victory by almost 13 seconds. It marked Durrant's second individual national title of her career and just the second individual national title at outdoor nationals in program history. Her efforts helped lead the Pats to a national runner-up finish.
Lucien Beardsley earned Athlete of the Week honors after capturing the 5k racewalk national title. Beardsley clocked a 20:36.79, capturing his first national title and third NAIA All-American finish. The sophomore won the event by seven seconds.
Luca Madeo earned Athlete of the Week honors after successfully defending his 10,000 meter national title. Madeo worked his way to the front of the pack and lead for majority of the race crossing the line in 29:50.28 for his fourth individual national title, which is tied for second most in program history. Madeo followed that up earning All-American honors in the 5,000 meters.
Tavon Davis earned Athlete of the Week honors after becoming the first 400-meter champion in program history. Davis clocked a 45.88 to capture his second individual national of the season. Davis followed that up being part of UC's 4x400 relay that captured All-American honors.
Cumberlands followed that up by capturing the 4x100 relay national title with a school record time of 39.57. Jordan Afolayan, Willy Mabena, Edwin Van Wyk, and Aarontae Wesley teamed up to finish atop the podium with the Patriots first 4x100 relay title.
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