AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University track and field student-athletes Kamani Pardo and Gabriel Best have officially qualified for the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the NCAA announced Tuesday.

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The national championship meet will take place May 21-23 at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas.

Pardo earned his spot in the high jump after a breakout performance at the Emory Qualifier, where the freshman cleared 2.10 meters (6-10.75) to win the event and move to 13th nationally in Division II. He cleared each of his first four heights on his opening attempt before successfully clearing 2.10m on his third try.

Best qualified in the 3000-meter steeplechase after running a school and Peach Belt Conference record time of 8:56.66 at the Lee University Last Chance Meet. The sophomore moved to 15th nationally with the performance while breaking his own conference record for the second time this season.

The pair become Augusta's national qualifiers after standout outdoor campaigns that saw both athletes climb into the top 15 nationally in their respective events.

The NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin Thursday, May 21, and conclude Saturday, May 23.
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