Ivri, Onwunili qualify for NCAA championships

Friday, May 29

Fayetteville, AR

Wisconsin Badgers

NCAA First Round Regional

Ivri, Onwunili qualify for NCAA championships

May 29, 2026 | Men's Track & Field

Sophomore duo earn top-12 finishes at NCAA West First Round

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Wisconsin men's track and field duo of Matan Ivri and Joshua Onwunili qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships thanks to stellar showings at the NCAA West First Round on Friday evening at John McDonnell Field.

INCREDIBLE IVRI
Sophomore Matan Ivri added another honor to his collection on Friday as he qualified for his first NCAA track championships.

Ivri placed fifth in the 1500 meters in 3:38.13, a personal-best time by .02 and a time that ranks No. 9 in program history.

The Shimshit, Israel, native was near the front of the pack early on in the race and led the field of 12 with 800 meters to go. After slipping toward the back of the pack heading into the bell lap, Ivri made his move along the rail down the homestretch and, thanks to his top-five finish, automatically qualified for the NCAA outdoor meet.

Ivri will race in the 1500 meter semifinal on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:21 p.m. CT on ESPN and ESPN2.

"Good shape, good momentum, great season. Let's do it with Coach Byrne in his last season."

ONWUNILI MOVES ON
A year after running on a relay squad at the NCAA outdoor championships, UW sophomore Joshua Onwunili qualified for the NCAA meet in an individual event, punching his ticket to Eugene in the 100 meters.

Onwunili placed 11th in the 100-meter quarterfinal in 10.20, a season-best by .02 and a time that ranks No. 4 on the Badger all-time list.

"I went last year, and this time it's going to be something special."

Onwunili will race in the 100 meter semifinal on Wednesday, June 10 at 8:25 p.m. CT on ESPN and ESPN2.

A pair of Badgers wrapped up their collegiate seasons in the 800 meters. Patrick Hilby took 15th in the 800 meters in 1:47.20 while Henry Risser was 20th in 1:48.33.

Jake Schaefer placed 33rd in the men's discus with a heave of 173 feet, 8 inches (52.94m).

Nick Gilles wrapped up his junior season with a time of 9:01.61 in the steeplechase to finish 38th in the region.

In the 5000 meters, Archie Noakes led the Badger contingent, finishing in 14:28.40. Ivri crossed the line in 14:59.16 while Liam Newhart was unable to finish the 12 1/2 lap race.

Up Next: Seven women will compete in the final day of the NCAA West Regional on Saturday. Taylor Kesner, Zonica Lindeque, Vasiliki Samolada and Hadley Lucas will compete in the discus throw at 1:00 p.m. Elissa Perkins will take on the triple jump at 6:00 p.m., before the Badger duo of Kylie Finger and Leane Willemse will finish out the night with the 5000 meter at 8:10 p.m.

2026 NCAA West First Round
Friday, May 29, 2026
John McDonnell Field
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Men's 100 Meter Final

11. Josh Onwunili - 10.20

Men's 800 Meter Final

15. Patrick Hilby - 1:47.20

20. Henry Risser - 1:48.33

Men's 1500 Meter Final

5. Matan Ivri - 3:38.13

Men's 5000 Meter Final

39. Archie Noakes - 14:28.40

44. Matan Ivri - 14:59.16

Liam Newhart - DNF