LONG BEACH, Calif. - The PacWest Conference announced the 2026 Track and Field Preseason Polls on Friday morning. The Fresno Pacific track and field teams slotted into the top two spots on the list, claiming first for the men and second for the women.

After breaking Azusa Pacific's eight-year winning streak last season, the Sunbird men were selected as the preseason favorite. The 'Birds collected a total of 60 poll points with six of the eight first-place votes to carry them into the season. Azusa trailed the Sunbirds with 55 points, while Concordia came in third (47) and Biola came in fourth (45). Both APU and BU captured one of the remaining two first-place votes. The rest of the pack included Westmont (28), Vanguard (27), Dominican (16), and Jessup (10).

The Lady 'Birds nipped at the Cougars' heels with 70 poll points and a single first-place vote. Azusa Pacific was predicted to win their tenth straight title by the PacWest coaches, earning 73 poll points and six first-place votes. Following behind the 'Birds was Concordia (66), Biola (60), and Point Loma in fifth (43). Vanguard (39), Westmont (23), Jessup (18) and Dominican (13) filled the remaining slots on the list.

Returning to lead the 'Birds into another eventful year is second-year head coach Robert Foster. In his first year as head coach of the Sunbirds, Foster guided the men's team to a PacWest Title and earned several well-deserved PacWest special awards and accolades across the board. At NCAA Outdoor Nationals, the women's team finished fourth overall after taking first in the 4x100 relay and the 400m Hurdles. The men finished eleventh as they fought tooth and nail against tough competitors across the country.

Key returners for the Sunbirds include Shemar Palmer (PacWest Male Track Athlete of the Year, NCAA West Region Athlete of the Year and NCAA All-American), Malachi Carrasco (PacWest Field Rookie of the Year and NCAA All-American), Dejan Mileusnic (NCAA All-American), Chavez Grey (Throws), Jackson Paramo (Pole Vault), and Emanuel Salas (Distance). Despite graduating the 2025 PacWest Female Track Athlete of the Year, Brianna Green, the Lady 'Birds can count on her leadership as she steps into her new coaching role at FPU. For the women, Nydia Chance, Avril Mendoza, Shaniya Randolph and Mikiyla Royal also return to the track, ready to kick into gear and spark another incredible season. Not to mention Clara Wagner was the Heptathlon champion at the Chico State Multi Classic this season, capturing the fifth spot on FPU's All-Time list and hitting a personal-best.

Several newcomers have already kicked up the dust with their stellar performances. To start, Shane Bagley has come out on top in the pole vault at multiple meets alongside Eric Romero in throws, who has made it onto FPU's All-Time list. Brooklyn Epperley also continues to dominate in throws after her three-event win at the Westmont Relays.

With momentum on their side, the Sunbirds look ahead to even bigger performances in the weeks to come.

CLICK HERE to view the PacWest Women's Track and Field Preseason Poll.

CLICK HERE to view the PacWest Men's Track and Field Preseason Poll.
 

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