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8 Reasons Why Grand Canyon University Track & Field Is Dominating The NCAA Landscape

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Grand Canyon University Track & Field is currently one of the most dominant mid-major programs in the NCAA, cementing its legacy with a string of Western Athletic Conference (WAC) titles and a growing presence on the national stage. As of December 2025, the Lopes are fresh off a history-making 2025 season and have already kicked off their 2025-2026 indoor slate with record-breaking performances, signaling another championship run is underway.

The program's meteoric rise is a direct result of world-class coaching, strategic recruiting, and a commitment to elite training facilities in Phoenix, Arizona. This deep dive explores the key factors—from the leadership of a legendary coach to the facility that houses champions—that make GCU Track & Field a powerhouse in Division I athletics.

The Architects of Success: Coach Tom Flood and the 2025-2026 Roster

The foundation of the Grand Canyon University track program's consistent excellence rests squarely on the shoulders of Director of Track and Field/Cross Country, Tom Flood. Now in his 16th season leading the Lopes, Flood has transformed GCU into a perennial championship contender.

His impressive resume includes a staggering 24 WAC Championships and 26 WAC Coach of the Year honors, demonstrating a sustained period of dominance that is nearly unmatched in the conference. Under his guidance, the men's team has secured six straight WAC track and field championships, including a dramatic finish at The Podium to claim their eighth men's indoor title in the last nine attempts in 2025.

Flood's influence extends beyond conference titles; he has elevated GCU to the NCAA's elite, notably coaching the program's first-ever hurdler, Keira Christie-Galloway, to the NCAA Championships. His expertise is recognized globally, as evidenced by his selection to the USA Track & Field coaching staff for the World Athletics Indoor Championships.

Key Coaching Staff and Program Leaders

  • Tom Flood: Director of Track and Field / Cross Country (16th Season). Holds 24 WAC Championships and 26 WAC Coach of the Year honors.
  • Shayla Houlihan: Cross Country Head Coach (named July 2024). A decorated runner focusing on the distance program.

Notable Athletes to Watch in the 2025-2026 Season

The 2025-2026 roster is packed with talent, blending seasoned veterans with high-impact transfers, ready to compete in the indoor slate and beyond. Early December 2025 meets have already seen Lopes break multiple records, setting a high bar for the season.

  • Cam Wilmington: A senior hurdler and Kansas transfer who has already made a significant impact in the early 2025 meets, poised to be a major point scorer in the hurdles and sprints.
  • Selah Akers: A promising talent from Mesa, Arizona, listed on the 2025-26 roster, expected to contribute in various events.
  • Sienna Anderson: A sophomore from Jackson, Wyoming, who will be a key component of the team's depth.
  • Kennedy Benjamins: Another young athlete on the 2025-2026 roster, representing the future strength of the program.

The 2025 Season Review: A New Era of WAC Dominance

The 2025 track and field season was a landmark year for Grand Canyon University, solidifying their status as the team to beat in the WAC. The Lopes continued their trophy-stacking tradition across both the indoor and outdoor campaigns.

Indoor Championship Success: The men’s team delivered a thrilling performance to capture the 2025 WAC Men's Indoor Track and Field Championship, securing the title in a decisive final event. This victory marked their eighth indoor conference title in the last nine years, a truly remarkable run of consistency.

Outdoor Championship Performance: At the 2025 WAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Arlington, Texas, GCU showcased its comprehensive strength. The men's team battled fiercely to secure a second-place finish, while the women's team finished a strong fourth. The program also saw multiple athletes advance to the NCAA Division I West First Round and ultimately compete in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in June 2025, demonstrating national-level competitiveness in sprints, jumps, and throws.

The State-of-the-Art GCU Track Complex: A Training Ground for Champions

A championship program requires championship facilities, and the Grand Canyon University Track and Field Complex delivers on that promise. Located on the far west end of the sprawling GCU campus in Phoenix, the complex is a dedicated, state-of-the-art training and competition venue for the Lopes’ track and field programs.

This facility is not just a track; it is a comprehensive hub for all disciplines, including sprints, distance running, hurdles, and all field events such as the high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin. The dedicated nature of the complex allows for year-round training in the ideal climate of Arizona.

The complex is critical for maintaining the program's competitive edge, serving as the primary location for hosting the annual GCU Invitational and other key home meets. This allows the Lopes to compete on their home turf, a significant advantage in the competitive world of NCAA Division I athletics. The facility also supports the GCU Running Club and the GCU Triathlon Club, fostering a broad culture of athletic excellence across the university.

Topical Authority: GCU's Track & Field Ecosystem

GCU’s success is built on a holistic ecosystem that supports elite performance and academic achievement:

  • Recruiting Pipeline: The program successfully attracts top talent, including high-profile transfers like Cam Wilmington, and develops in-state talent from Arizona high schools like Selah Akers from Mesa.
  • WAC Conference Strength: Competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) provides a high-level competitive environment, pushing athletes to achieve NCAA-qualifying marks. Key conference rivals include Utah Valley, UT-Arlington, and Tarleton State.
  • Indoor Season Focus: The strategic scheduling of the 2025-2026 indoor slate, which often begins with meets in Flagstaff, Arizona, allows the team to capitalize on early-season momentum and achieve fast times crucial for national rankings.
  • Combined Events Expertise: The program places a strong emphasis on combined events (Decathlon and Heptathlon), which are crucial for scoring big points at conference championships.
  • Distance Program Growth: Under the leadership of Shayla Houlihan, the cross country and distance running programs are poised for significant growth, complementing the traditional strength in sprints and field events.

In conclusion, the Grand Canyon University Track & Field program is currently experiencing a golden age. With a proven leader in Tom Flood, a roster full of current and future stars, and a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility, the Lopes are not just winning WAC titles; they are consistently raising the bar for mid-major track and field programs nationwide. Their performance in the 2025 WAC Championships and the early 2025-2026 indoor results confirm that GCU is a dominant force with a clear trajectory toward even greater national prominence.

grand canyon university track
grand canyon university track

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