Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Wednesday, June 10
Eugene, OR
Southern Illinois University
vs
NCAA Outdoor National Championships
Photo by: LISA REFF 812-480-0945 (C)2026 CHANDLER_IN
Thames Ready for NCAA Nationals Appearance
06/10/2026 | 1:36:00 | Track and Field
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships kicked off today in Eugene, Oregon, but Southern Illinois fans will have to wait until tomorrow to see the Salukis represented when Leah Thames competes in the 400-meter dash.
"Leah has literally prepared all year to compete on this stage and at this level," says Richard Jones, the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country. "She is ready to represent Saluki nation at the highest level and I'm excited to see how this national meet goes for her."
Details
-What: NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships
-Date: June 10-14
-Time: 8:41 p.m. (CST) (Thursday) | 8:02 p.m. (CST) (Saturday)
-Location: Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon
-Opponent: NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships
-Live Results: https://www.flashresults.com/2026_Meets/Outdoor/06-10_NCAA/index.htm
-Watch: Thursday | Saturday
Thames at NCAA Nationals First Round
Thames booked her ticket to Hayward Field last week at the NCAA West Regionals in Fayetteville, Arkansas. On Thursday, she ran in the 400-meter first round and broke her own school record in the event with a time of 51.54, good for sixth in the event and a trip to the event's quarterfinals.
Those quarterfinals took place on Saturday. While unable to match her first round time, Thames clocked a mark of 51.63 to take eighth and secure her spot at Nationals this week.
Event Information
Thames will first compete in the 400-meter dash semifinals on Thursday, June 11, at 8:41 p.m. (CST). Should she make it to the event's finals, those will take place on Saturday, June 13, at 8:02 p.m. (CST).
More information regarding the Championships can be found at https://www.ncaa.com/news/trackfield-outdoor-women/article/2026-06-10/2026-ncaa-outdoor-track-and-field-championships-schedule-location-how.
Follow the Salukis
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on Twitter (@SIUTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC) and Facebook (@SalukiTrackAndField).
"Leah has literally prepared all year to compete on this stage and at this level," says Richard Jones, the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country. "She is ready to represent Saluki nation at the highest level and I'm excited to see how this national meet goes for her."
Details
-What: NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships
-Date: June 10-14
-Time: 8:41 p.m. (CST) (Thursday) | 8:02 p.m. (CST) (Saturday)
-Location: Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon
-Opponent: NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships
-Live Results: https://www.flashresults.com/2026_Meets/Outdoor/06-10_NCAA/index.htm
-Watch: Thursday | Saturday
Thames at NCAA Nationals First Round
Thames booked her ticket to Hayward Field last week at the NCAA West Regionals in Fayetteville, Arkansas. On Thursday, she ran in the 400-meter first round and broke her own school record in the event with a time of 51.54, good for sixth in the event and a trip to the event's quarterfinals.
Those quarterfinals took place on Saturday. While unable to match her first round time, Thames clocked a mark of 51.63 to take eighth and secure her spot at Nationals this week.
Event Information
Thames will first compete in the 400-meter dash semifinals on Thursday, June 11, at 8:41 p.m. (CST). Should she make it to the event's finals, those will take place on Saturday, June 13, at 8:02 p.m. (CST).
More information regarding the Championships can be found at https://www.ncaa.com/news/trackfield-outdoor-women/article/2026-06-10/2026-ncaa-outdoor-track-and-field-championships-schedule-location-how.
Follow the Salukis
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on Twitter (@SIUTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC) and Facebook (@SalukiTrackAndField).
Players Mentioned
Sprints
/ Track and FieldWednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 04
Monday, May 25
Sunday, May 24