Adams State Wins Two More National Track Titles

Women's indoor track team finishes third nationally with pair of individual champions

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:20pm

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The Adams State University women's indoor track and field team returned home with a pair of national champions and a third-place team finish at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships in Virginia Beach. Ava O'Connor won the mile run, and teammate Lieke Hoogsteen claimed gold in the 800 meters, leading the Grizzlies to a 47-point performance that trailed only national champion Pittsburg State and runner-up West Texas A&M.

Why it matters

Adams State has long been a powerhouse in Division II track and field, and this latest performance continues the school's tradition of national success in the sport. The Grizzlies' ability to develop elite talent and field a deep, competitive team year after year is a point of pride for the small public university in Alamosa, Colorado.

The details

O'Connor added to her collection of NCAA Division II medals by winning the mile run in 4 minutes, 44.04 seconds, while Hoogsteen took gold in the 800 meters at 2 minutes, 4.23 seconds. The Grizzlies also had a third-place finish from shot putter Sam Dirkes, who threw 18.49 meters. On the men's side, Adams State thought it had claimed the indoor mile title before Housem Hrabi was disqualified following a review of an interference incident on the final lap.

  • The NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships were held on March 13-14, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The players

Ava O'Connor

A standout distance runner for the Adams State women's indoor track and field team, O'Connor won the NCAA Division II national title in the mile run.

Lieke Hoogsteen

A member of the Adams State women's indoor track and field team, Hoogsteen won the NCAA Division II national championship in the 800 meters.

Sam Dirkes

An Adams State shot putter who finished third in the event at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships.

Housem Hrabi

An Adams State runner who initially won the NCAA Division II indoor mile title before being disqualified following a review of an interference incident on the final lap.

Adams State University

A public university in Alamosa, Colorado that fields a highly competitive NCAA Division II track and field program, finishing third in the women's team standings at the 2026 indoor national championships.

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What’s next

The Adams State track and field teams will look to build on their indoor success when they compete at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships later this spring.

The takeaway

The continued excellence of the Adams State track and field programs, especially on the women's side, underscores the university's commitment to developing elite student-athletes and maintaining its status as a Division II powerhouse in the sport.