Day one of the NCAA Outdoor Championships took place in Eugene, Oregon, at Hayward Field. The event began around 7:38 p.m. ET. Joy Naukot and Sarah Tait were the two Mountaineers to make the journey, and they were slated to compete in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase semifinal and the women’s 10,000-meter final. Both Tait and Naukot have consistently led the Mountaineers throughout the outdoor season. They entered the national stage with momentum from standout performances at the Big 12 Championships and the NCAA East First Round. Read more Mountaineers Set Program Record on Day One of NCAA Championships.
3,000-Meter Steeplechase
Tait entered the second heat of the steeplechase as the top seed and finished fourth in her race, securing a spot in the event finals. Along the way, she recorded a personal best time of 9:37.06 and came in fifth place overall.
Her performance in Eugene adds another milestone to her 2025 campaign and gives her a strong opportunity to earn another All-American distinction in the upcoming steeplechase final. Tait stayed in control throughout her heat, navigating with confidence and holding her pace through the final laps. Her ability to maintain composure under national pressure proved key in securing a spot in the championship final.
On day two of the NCAA Outdoor Championships, which can be viewed Saturday, June 14th at 9:24 p.m. ET., Tait will compete in the steeplechase final.
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10,000-Meters
Day one at the NCAA Championships was already off to an amazing start as Tait secured her place in the steeplechase finals. At approximately 9:56 p.m. ET., Naukot raced in the 10,000-meters.
Naukot would become only the fourth Mountaineer in program history to earn a First Team All-American honor in the 10,000-meter. She is the only freshman to receive that honor. Her program best time of 31:34.34 was rewarded with a bronze medal and the achievement of the fastest lap time during the event with a time of 1:08.96 in her final lap.
Naukot’s time not only broke the WVU school record but also solidified her as one of the top distance runners in the nation this season. She maintained consistent pacing throughout the race before closing with the fastest final lap of the field, showcasing her strength and strategy.
The Stride Report was extremely impressed with Naukot’s performance and remarked on her PR of 31:43.43. The report stated that she finished third overall and moved to #6 on the NCAA all-time list.
Day Two
Day two of the NCAA Outdoor Championships is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 9:24 p.m. ET. This is the last scheduled event for the Mountaineers this season. It will provide Tait with the opportunity to place in the steeplechase final. After witnessing Tait’s performance in the semifinals, it is clear she has the desire to place highly in the steeplechase final. All the work throughout the season will be put to the test on day two of the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Mountaineers Set Program Record on Day One of NCAA Championships.
