Nwokeji Qualifies for NCAA Championships in Shot Put

Wednesday, May 27

Fayetteville, Ark.

University of Houston

NCAA West Preliminary Rounds

Cordell Nwokeji holding ticketing punched sign

Nwokeji Qualifies for NCAA Championships in Shot Put

5/27/2026 5:17:00 PM | Track and Field

Day 1 Results (PDF)

Junior Cordell Nwokeji punches ticket to NCAA Championships on Wednesday

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Junior Cordell Nwokeji earned his spot for the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and five Cougars advanced to Friday's quarterfinals of the NCAA West First Rounds on Wednesday.

Nwokeji earned Houston's first NCAA Championships bid of the week in the men's shot put. The junior finished seventh overall with a mark of 18.93m. This marks Nwokeji's first trip to the NCAA Championships.

In the 110-meter hurdles, senior Anthony Trucks finished third in his heat with a time of 13.71, qualifying for Friday's quarterfinals, which are scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

Two Cougars secured spots in Friday's 100m quarterfinals as senior Louie Hinchliffe and senior Dakari Charlton finished in the top three of their respective heats. Hinchliffe won his heat and finished fifth overall with a time of 10.11. Charlton placed third in his heat and 16^th overall in 10.24 to qualify. The seniors will compete at 6:35 p.m., Friday.

Charlton also qualified for Friday's 200m quarterfinal with a time of 20.83, finishing third in his heat and 21^st overall.

Freshmen Sean Aigboboh and Dominic Harper will also join Charlton in the 200m quarterfinal. Aigboboh finished third in his heat with the 11^th fastest time of the day at 20.65. Harper also secured his spot with a time of 20.88. The three Cougars will aim to qualify for the NCAA Championships at 7:50 p.m., Friday.

UP NEXT
The women begin NCAA West action on Thursday at McDonnell Field. Senior Zaeda Houff starts the day at 9:30 a.m. for the Cougars in the hammer throw.

In the running events, senior Kaycee McCoy and graduate Miracle Thompson will compete in the 100m hurdles at 6 p.m., followed by sophomore Invida Maurina at 7:50 p.m. in the 800m.

At 7 p.m., sophomore Evina Panagiotou and graduate Arianna Peroni will compete in the pole vault, while sophomores Sydney Freeman and Cleo Agyepong compete for their spot in Oregon in the shot put.

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