WICHITA- The Newman University Athletics Department is proud to announce the addition of men's and women's track & field programs, which will begin competition in the fall of 2026. With the launch of these programs, Newman's sport offerings will increase from 18 to 20, and its NCAA-sponsored sports will grow from 15 to 17. This is the first program addition since Esports was introduced in 2023. 

"Newman Athletics is very excited to be adding track and field," said Athletic Director Kenyon Spears. "This addition will continue to help grow the Newman brand as we look to continue showcasing our student-athletes in the MIAA conference."

Newman will join a strong track & field cohort in the MIAA with the Jets representing the 12th women's track and field program and the 11th men's track and field program. Newman will join Central Missouri, Central Oklahoma (WT&F), Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Missouri Southern, MoWest, Nebraska Kearney, Northwest Missouri, Pittsburg State, Rogers State, and Washburn. In June of this year, Northeastern State announced their track and field program beginning in 2027, then creating 13 teams in the MIAA sponsoring Track and Field programs. 

The addition of track and field is designed to enhance Newman's existing cross country programs, offering distance runners the opportunity to compete year-round, while also creating new avenues for sprinters and field athletes to participate.

The immediate entry into MIAA track and field will allow the Jets to compete for additional NCAA Championship berths and in-season and postseason awards, both on the academic and athletic side. 

President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, believes the decision aligns well with the overall strategic vision for Newman University. "Part of the charge to our new athletic director was to evaluate and set priorities for our sport portfolio at Newman," said Jagger. "This addition of track and field emerged as a part of that process, and we are excited to offer a new sport opportunity for athletes interested in a Newman education. This is an investment in our future students, our campus and the future of Newman Jets athletics."
  
The university will immediately begin a nationwide search for a Head Track and Field coach to build a competitive roster to begin competition by fall of 2026. Direct all inquiries about the open position to spearsk@newmanu.edu. 
 
Newman Athletics is a proud member of NCAA Division II and the MIAA, offering 17 NCAA sponsored sports. Newman University, named for Saint John Henry Newman, is located in Wichita, Kansas and was founded in 1933 by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ for the purpose of empowering graduates to transform society. Newman University is a liberal arts college, offering 38 majors, 24 minors, and nine graduate degree programs. Learn more here.