Track prepares for MAAC Championships following Cardinal Classic

By Colin Richey, Sports Editor

The Canisius track team has one meet left on the schedule before the 2026 Outdoor Track MAAC Championships, traveling to Pittsford, N.Y. on Saturday for the Cardinal Classic.

The Griffs are coming off a successful campaign at the UB Alumni Invitational, led by senior Joe Pivarunas and freshman Jaxyn Mahoney. Pivarunas finished first in his 3,000 meter steeplechase with a time of 9:32.02 while freshman Jack Stanford and sophomore Mason Allee-Castro placed fifth and sixth, respectively.

Mahoney finished his 800 meter in 1:51.13, taking first place in the event. Meanwhile, freshman Jack Nesbit claimed eighth for another Griffin top-10 finish. Canisius saw three more top-10 finishes in the 1,500-meter, thanks to Nathaniel Fisher (sixth), Brody Jones (eighth) and Fenway Breckels (ninth).

The group of Nesbit, Jones, Mahoney and senior Braden Tent nabbed a podium spot in the men’s 4x400 meter relay, placing third with a time of 3:24.47.

Sophomore Ella Krumpek paced the women’s team, securing second place in the 1,500 meter with a time of 4:48.33. In the 4x400 meter relay, Charlotte Keenan, Sofia Ruffa, Ella Herman and Jocelyn Tracy placed sixth with a time of 4:17.26.

Freshman Julia Gullo contributed a fourth-place finish in the 3,000 meter steeplechase while Keenan earned eighth in the 200 meter. Two runners placed in the top 10 in the 5,000 meter, with juniors Brooke Podgorski (19:03.91) and junior Payton Calkins (19:38.87) placing seventh and 10th, respectively.

Following the team’s competition at the Cardinal Classic, they’ll travel to Emmitsburg, Md. for the MAAC Championships on May 9 and 10.