Capaldo Shines on Day 1 of B1G Championships

INDIANAPOLIS – University of Iowa track and field senior Sal Capaldo set the tone for the Hawkeyes in the men’s heptathlon with a strong opening day performance on Thursday afternoon at the 2026 Big Ten Indoor Track & Field Championships. 

The day was highlighted by Capaldo’s lifetime-best clearance of 2.04 meters in the high jump, earning a second-place finish. He placed in the top 10 in all four events, including fourth in the 60 meters and sixth in the long jump. Through four events, Capaldo is in third place with 3,164 points.

“We had an excellent day one for the Hawkeyes,” Track and Field Director Joey Woody said. “I’m extremely proud of how our athletes competed today, from the first multis event to the final distance medley relay.”

In the women’s 600 meters, reigning indoor champion Gabby Cortez led the way for the Hawkeyes with a third-place finish in 1:28.72. Junior Princess Uche qualified for the final, placing fifth while recording a personal best (1:28.92) that ranks eighth all-time at Iowa. In her Big Ten Championships debut, freshman Caila Lyons also posted a personal best, and Damaris Mutunga rounded out the Hawkeyes advancing to the final.

On the men’s side, senior Terrick Johnson crossed the line in 1:16.66 to qualify for the finals. Redshirt freshman Jackson Johannes recorded a personal best in a stacked field of competitors.

Reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Week Jordan Gross notched a lifetime best in the 200 meters to secure his spot in the finals. He improved on his eighth all-time mark at Iowa, finishing fifth overall. Holly Duax and Alivia Williams locked in two lanes on the women’s side, finishing seventh and eighth, respectively. 

“We had a very successful preliminary round, with multiple athletes qualifying for the finals of the 200 and 600 meters across both genders,” Woody said. “Sal had a terrific day one in the heptathlon, finishing with a huge personal best in the high jump to move from sixth to third place heading into tomorrow. Even though we didn’t score, I’m very proud of how our Distance Medley Relay competed today. Tomorrow is a big day for us, and I’m excited to see our team keep the momentum going.”

The Hawkeyes wrapped up the first day of the Big Ten Indoor Championships with eight finals qualifiers.

Up Next: The Hawkeyes continue action at the 2026 Big Ten Indoor Track & Field Championships with competition set to begin at 10:30 a.m. (CT).

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Men’s 200 Meters Prelims
5. Jordan Gross - 20.90, q, PR + 8th at Iowa
23. Jaylin Holmes - 27.24

Women’s 200 Meters Prelims
7. Holly Duax - 23.69, q
8. Alivia Williams - 23.76, q
9. Izzy Zahn - 23.81 
11. Alexandria Edison - 23.84

Men’s 600 Meters Prelims
8. Terrick Johnson - 1:16.66, q
18. Jackson Johannes - 1:18.81, PR
23. Prior Ochonogor - 1:19.79

Women’s 600 Meters Prelims
3. Gabby Cortez - 1:28.72, q
5. Princess Uche - 1:28.92, q, PR + 8th at Iowa
6. Caila Lyons - 1:29.11, q, PR
7. Damaris Mutunga - 1:29.12, q
9. Leanna Lewis - 1:29.38

Men’s 5,000 Meters Finals
15. Hayden Kuhn - 14:11.54 

Women’s 5,000 Meters Finals
26. Elena Torres - 16:51.63
32. Hillary Trainor - 17:01.74

Men’s Distance Medley Relay
13. Wolfe, Johannes, Leicht, Lane - 9:49.50

Women’s Distance Medley Relay
9. Arthur, Lewis, Kelly, Gehl - 11:27.89, SB + 10th at Iowa

Men’s Heptathlon
Sal Capaldo - 3,164 points

4. 60 Meters - 7.03
6. Long Jump - 7.09 meters (23’ 3.25”)
10. Shot Put - 12.17 meters (39’ 11.25”)
2. High Jump - 2.04 meters (6’ 8.25), PR

Will Davidson 
15. 60 Meters - 7.32
16. Long Jump - 6.34 meters (20’ 9.75”)
Shot Put - DNS

Women’s Pentathlon
17. Carlee Rochford - 3,085 points

6. 60-Meter Hurdles - 8.53
17. High Jump - 1.61 meters (5’ 3.25”)
9. Shot Put - 11.99 meters (39’ 4”)
16. Long Jump - 5.39 meters (17’ 8.25”)
800 Meters - DNF