Badgers Open Indiana Invitational with Record Book Marks

Friday, January 16

Bloomington, IN

2:30 PM

Wisconsin Badgers

Indiana Invitational

Badgers Open Indiana Invitational with Record Book Marks

January 16, 2026 | Men's Track & Field

Ometosa, Hicks, highlight strong opening day for Wisconsin

By: Dani Savin

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Wisconsin men's track and field team opened its weekend of competition at the Indiana Invitational on Friday with multiple podium finishes, personal bests and a pair of performances that landed in the UW indoor record book.

Wisconsin saw early success on the track in the 600 meters, where Zion Omotesa ran a personal-best 1 minute, 17.83 seconds to place third overall. The Washington, D.C. native's time now ranks No. 6 in the UW indoor record book.

The Badgers also made a statement in the distance medley relay, placing first and second in the event. The quartet of Liam Newhart, Lorenz Forsmann, Patrick Hilby and Bryce Stachewicz captured the win with a time of 9:38.97, while Andrew Casey, Farraj Al Amin, Henry Risser and Pierce Seigne followed behind in second at 9:46.38.

In the hurdles, Tonovila Hicks continued his standout season in the 60-meter hurdles. Hicks clocked a personal-best 7.94 in the prelims, replacing himself as No. 8 in the UW indoor record book, before finishing third in the final with a time of 8.02. Darius Jones Jr. also advanced to the final, placing sixth overall, crossing the line at 8.36.

Over in the sprints, Joshua Onwunili qualified for the finals in the 60 meters with a 6.92 in the prelims and went on to place eighth in the final at 6.95. Micah Walker added a personal best in the prelims, finishing in 7.03.

In the field events, Nathan Nelson led Wisconsin in the pole vault with a fourth-place finish after clearing 15-11 (4.85m). Jack Schmeling contributed in both the long jump and hurdles, recording a mark of 20-0 ½ (6.11m) in the long jump.

Up Next: The Badgers return for the second day of the Indiana Invitational on Saturday. Field events begin at 9:00 a.m. CT with running events to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Indiana Invitational
Friday, January 16, 2026
Bloomington, Indiana

Results
60 Meters
Prelims
7. Joshua Onwunili, 6.92 q
12. Micah Walker, 7.03 PR

Final
8. Joshua Onwunili, 6.95

600 Meters
3. Zion Ometesa, 1:17.83 PR

DMR
1. Newhart, Forsmann, Hilby, Stachewicz, 9:38.97
2. Casey, Al Amin, Risser, Seigne, 9:46.38

60 Meter Hurdles
Prelims
1. Tonovila Hicks, 7.94 Q PR
6. Darius Jones Jr., 8.34 Q
16. Jack Schmeling, 9.10

Final
3. Tonovila Hicks, 8.02
6. Darius Jones Jr., 8.36

Long Jump
15. Jack Schmeling, 20-0 ½ (6.11m)

Pole Vault
4. Nathan Nelson, 15-11 (4.85m)