Winbush, Brewer Record-Breaking Performances Lead Golden Eagles to Third at Final OVC Championship

Photo / Tennessee Tech Athletics

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Tennessee Tech Track & Field capped its Ohio Valley Conference championship run with a standout performance, finishing third overall with 113 points at the 2026 OVC Outdoor Track & Field Championship at the Coleman Sports Complex.

For the Golden Eagles, the weekend delivered both momentum and milestones. “It was just a superb weekend from top to bottom for the team,” said Tech head coach Peter Dalton. “We are so proud of our athletes and everything we've accomplished during our time in the OVC.”

Tennessee Tech’s rise started early with big points in the distance events. Makaleigh Jessee turned in a massive personal best in the 10,000m, running 36:55.98 to finish runner-up. Jane Lokiles added another strong result, posting a personal-best 37:24.86 to place fourth.

In the heptathlon, Angela Hoover scored a personal-best 3707 points for fourth, including PRs across multiple events such as 100m hurdles (15.72), shot put (7.41m), 200m (27.15), long jump (5.30m), javelin (22.14m), and 800m (2:49.80). Chase Wolfenbarger contributed as well, placing fifth with a personal-best 3676 points and earning PR marks in the 200m (27.16) and javelin (26.11m).

Track and field moments continued throughout the meet. In the sprints, Kennedi Winbush qualified third in the 100m prelims (11.59) and later advanced in the 200m (24.36) before delivering a historic championship performance. She exploded to a personal-best 11.42 in the 100m final to win the OVC title, break the Tennessee Tech school record, and claim her second conference championship of the academic year. Winbush also added a second-place finish in the 200m final, clocking 23.97.

Rachael Brewer matched the record-breaking energy in the 400m hurdles. After qualifying in the prelims with 1:03.24, she ran 1:01.90 in the final to finish runner-up and break the school record. Hannah Little added another key runner-up finish in the 400m, and the program produced additional scoring performances across relays, jumps, and distance races.

The Golden Eagles closed strong with a season-best 3:44.92 in the 4x400m relay to place second. Jessee and the distance crew also delivered late-meet impact, with Jessee earning another runner-up finish in the 5000m (17:38.08).

Tennessee Tech’s final OVC championship ended with pride, progress, and a sense of momentum. The Golden Eagles now turn their focus to a new chapter in the Southern Conference next season.

Women’s Team Standings: 1. Southeast Missouri — 164; 2. Eastern Illinois — 127.5; 3. Tennessee Tech — 113; 4. Little Rock — 99.