Senior Morgan Wood wins the National Championship in the NCCAA women’s heptathlon, finishing with the top score in four of the seven events and completing the heptathlon with a total of 4,065 points, 234 points ahead of the runner-up. In addition to her championship title, Wood was also the Wheeler Award winner for the NCCAA, the highest and most prestigious award in the NCCAA.

Men’s, women’s teams end season with impressive finish

POINT LOOKOUT, MO — Morgan Wood, a senior from Kearney, Missouri, was named champion of the women’s heptathlon at this year’s NCCAA National Championship on May 6 - 8 at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

The heptathlon is a series of seven events over two days where athletes gain points for their performance in each event. The scores from all events are combined to give a total score determining the champion. Athletes compete in the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter dash, long jump, javelin throw, and the 800-meter run.

Wood finished with the top score in four of the seven events and completed the heptathlon with a total of 4,065 points, 234 points ahead of the runner-up, securing a decisive victory.

In addition to her championship title, Wood was also the Wheeler Award winner for the NCCAA, the highest and most prestigious award in the NCCAA. The Wheeler Award, established by John and Jody Wheeler, seeks to encourage the pursuit of excellence and Christ-like character in NCCAA track and field. Wood’s dedication to honoring God through her humility, integrity, perseverance, and team-first mindset has set her apart as the worthy recipient.

McKenzie Larkin, head track coach and fitness center director, highlighted Wood’s exceptional Christlike character: “Morgan exemplifies the true spirit of a Christian athlete, demonstrating unwavering faith, integrity, and servant leadership both on and off the track and field. Through her dedication to excellence in sports, she inspires teammates with her work ethic, sportsmanship, and humility. She is committed to leading others with kindness and compassion. Whether mentoring younger athletes, leading team prayers, or serving others, she consistently puts Christ at the center of her actions.”

The Bobcats had a strong showing overall at the National Championship. Tanner Bailey secured first place in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 30:49.66, earning the Bobcats their second championship title for the 2026 season. Joelle Barker and Jacob Burton earned second place in each of their events — Barker in the Javelin throw at 37.94 meters and Burton in the triple jump at 13.59 meters. Additionally, Emilie Zylstra earned third place in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 12:07.19. Both the men’s and the women’s teams finished with scores in the top 11, ending the season with an impressive performance.