EMPORIA, Kan. – Ricardo Vargas capped his 2026 season for Cal Poly Pomona with a 15th-place finish in the 10,000 meters, crossing the line in 30:18.94. The National Championship race took place at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas.
 
Vargas settled into the field early, coming through 1,600 meters in 5:01.74 and holding steady near the middle of the pack. He moved up during the middle stages, climbing as high as 15th by 5,200 meters after a consistent stretch that included back-to-back splits of 1:10.25 and 1:10.16.
 
After passing 6,400 meters in 19:16.33, Vargas battled through a tough late-race surge from the field but maintained his position over the closing laps. He responded well in the final 800 meters, closing with splits of 1:09.87 and 1:08.61 to secure 15th overall at the national championships.
 
 
2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships
Hosted by Emporia State University - Emporia, Kansas
Schedule of Events (Times PT)
 
Thursday, May 21
✔ | 15^th Place | Men's 10,000m (Final) – Ricardo Vargas
 
Friday, May 22
1:30 PM | Men's High Jump (Final) – Harry Chen
 
Saturday, May 23
12:15 PM | Men's Triple Jump (Final) – Collin Joyce