AMHERST, Mass. -- A total of nine Mammoths will head to Birmingham, AL. this Friday & Saturday to compete in the 2026 NCAA Div. III Indoor Track & Field Championships held at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

5 Women Field for Amherst
Mid-Distance Duo Leads the Charge in the 800m
 
The Mammoths have established themselves as a force in the middle-distance lanes, qualifying two of the nation's fastest runners in the 800-meter run.
 
Piper Lentz '26 (2:11.46): The senior standout heads to Nationals after a historic season where she shattered the Amherst school record. Her time ranks among the top 10 in the country, positioning her as a primary contender for All-American honors.
 
Zoë Marcus '27 (2:11.96): Joining Lentz is junior Zoë Marcus, whose personal-best performance at the BU Valentine Invitational secured her spot on the national stage. The duo's "1-2 punch" capability has been a hallmark of the Amherst distance squad all winter.
 
Campbell Takes Flight in Long Jump
 
Amherst will also be represented in the field by one of the most exciting young talents in the NESCAC.
 
Alayah Campbell '29 (5.78m): In her debut collegiate indoor season, first-year Alayah Campbell has already made a massive impact. Her leap of 5.78m not only secured her a ticket to Birmingham but also stands as one of the best marks in program history. Campbell enters the meet as a top-ranked jumper with the potential to disrupt the national podium.
 
The DMR Returns to the National Stage
 
For the first time since 2019, the Amherst women have qualified a Distance Medley Relay (DMR) team for the NCAA Championships. The squad of Piper Lentz, Myeh Medina, Zoë Marcus, and Flora Biro clocked a blistering 11:37.97 to punch their ticket.
 
The DMR is a tactical test of depth, requiring a 1200m lead-off, a 400m sprint, an 800m bridge, and a 1600m anchor. With Lentz and Marcus handling the middle legs and Medina and Biro providing explosive speed and endurance, the Mammoths' relay team is primed to compete for a national title.

4 Men Head to Birmingham
Boyle Dominates the 3000m Field
 
Junior Parker Boyle has solidified his standing as one of the premier distance runners in the country. Qualifying with an impressive time of 8:09.59, Boyle's performance ranks among the fastest in program history.
 
To compete at the sub-8:10 level requires a rare combination of aerobic efficiency and mental fortitude. Boyle has demonstrated a consistent ability to navigate dense fields and respond to mid-race surges, positioning himself as a formidable contender for All-American honors in what is expected to be a highly competitive national final.
 
The Distance Medley Relay: A Collective Excellence
 
Amherst's prowess in the relay events continues to be a hallmark of the program. The Men's DMR squad—comprised of Will Nagy, Cody Pierce, Ben Davis, and Parker Boyle—earned their trip to the national meet with a stellar time of 9:41.76.
 
The success of the DMR is predicated on the seamless transition between four distinct distances, and this quartet has displayed exceptional chemistry:
 
Will Nagy (1200m): Provides the critical lead-off leg, ensuring the Mammoths remain in contention through the opening 1.5 miles.
 
Cody Pierce (400m): Offers the necessary sprinting prowess to maintain positioning during the high-speed quarter-mile leg.
 
Ben Davis (800m): Delivers the strength and tactical awareness required to bridge the gap to the final anchor leg.
 
Parker Boyle (1600m): Serves as the anchor, utilizing his championship-caliber endurance to close the race against the nation's top milers.
 
Stan Craig 5000m Road to Nationals

Amherst College standout Stan Craig delivered a masterful performance during the 2026 indoor season, securing his spot at the NCAA Division III National Championships in the 5,000-meter run. Competing at the highly competitive Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational, Craig stayed composed in a fast field to cross the line in 14:16.39. This time comfortably cleared the national qualifying threshold, marking a significant milestone in his collegiate career and cementing his status as one of the top distance runners in the country.

A junior from Richmond, Virginia, Craig's qualification is the result of consistent progression across both the cross-country trails and the track. Known for his tactical racing style and strong closing kick, he has become a reliable postseason threat for the Mammoths. His sub-14:20 performance not only earned him a trip to the national stage but also demonstrated the high-level fitness required to compete for All-American honors in a deep Division III field.