5 Reasons Why Kennesaw State Track & Field Is The New Dynasty Of Conference USA
The Kennesaw State Track & Field program has officially cemented its status as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, transitioning from ASUN dominance to immediate championship success in Conference USA (CUSA). As of this current date, December 19, 2025, the Owls are riding a wave of unprecedented momentum, highlighted by the men’s team capturing the 2025 CUSA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in their first year of competition in the new league. This triumphant entry into a new conference, following a clean sweep of the 2024 ASUN Indoor and Outdoor titles, signals a formidable new dynasty emerging from Kennesaw, Georgia.
The program’s consistent excellence across sprints, throws, jumps, and distance events—both indoors and outdoors—demonstrates a depth of talent and strategic coaching that few programs can match. From individual NCAA contenders to a cohesive team effort in conference meets, the KSU Owls are rewriting their record books and setting a new standard for excellence in the Conference USA landscape.
The Architects of Success: KSU Track & Field Leadership and Star Athletes
The foundation of Kennesaw State’s success is built on a blend of experienced leadership and a roster of record-breaking student-athletes. The program's ability to develop talent and maintain a winning culture is a direct reflection of its dedicated coaching staff and the caliber of its competitors.
Kennesaw State Track & Field Key Personnel (2025-2026 Season)
- Director of Track & Field and Cross Country: Cale McDaniel
- Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track & Field Coach: Adam Bray
- Associate Head Coach: Jaymes Talkington
- Assistant Coaches: Rachel Coelho, Dennis Martin
Notable Recent & Current Star Athletes (2024-2025)
- Kali Terza (Thrower): Named the Conference USA Women's Field Athlete of the Week in December 2025, a dominant thrower who has overcome injuries to return to elite form.
- Caleb Hartley (Thrower): A key contributor in 2024, setting program marks in the shot put at the Atlantic Sun Conference Championships.
- Pishon Haughton (Sprints): A sophomore sprinter listed on the 2025-26 roster, expected to be a major points scorer.
- Gavin Horton (Pole Vault): A junior pole vaulter who provides crucial field event depth.
- Jase Hunter (Throws): A graduate student thrower who adds veteran experience to the throwing corps.
- Chinedum Ike (Jumps): A sophomore jumper poised for a breakout season.
- Malik Hussie: A standout athlete mentioned in the top-10 men's team records.
- Sparticus Griffin: Another top-10 record holder for the men's team.
5 Reasons Why Kennesaw State is the New CUSA Track & Field Dynasty
KSU’s transition from the ASUN to Conference USA was seamless, demonstrating a program-wide readiness for a higher level of competition. Here are the five most compelling reasons the Owls are poised to dominate the CUSA for years to come.
1. Immediate Championship Dominance in a New Conference
The true measure of a successful program is its ability to perform under pressure and adapt to new challenges. Kennesaw State did exactly that by immediately finding success upon joining Conference USA. The men’s team secured the 2025 CUSA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in their very first attempt, a monumental achievement that announced their arrival with authority. This victory follows the men's team also taking the 2025 CUSA Indoor Track & Field Championship. This ability to win both indoor and outdoor titles in their inaugural CUSA season highlights a depth and competitive fire that is rare.
This CUSA success is built on a foundation of ASUN excellence, where the Owls consistently dominated. In 2024 alone, the KSU men's and women's teams swept the ASUN Indoor Track and Field Championships, and the women’s team also battled back to win the 2024 ASUN Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championship, their fourth program title. This championship pedigree has now been successfully ported to the CUSA.
2. The Strength of the Throwing and Field Events Squad
The KSU Owls have historically been formidable in field events, and this trend continues to be a cornerstone of their championship strategy. The throwing crew, in particular, is a consistent source of high points. Athletes like Kali Terza, who was recently honored as the CUSA Women's Field Athlete of the Week, and Jase Hunter, are crucial to the team's overall scoring. The program consistently produces top-tier talent in the shot put, discus, and hammer throw, which is vital for accumulating points in conference meets. Furthermore, the men's team boasts talented jumpers and vaulters, including Gavin Horton in the pole vault and Chinedum Ike in the jumps, ensuring a well-rounded attack across all field disciplines.
3. A Pipeline of Elite Sprints and Relays Talent
While the field events provide a steady base, the speed of the KSU sprints program often closes the door on opponents. The men’s team records show a deep history of elite relay teams, including the 4x100m and 4x400m squads featuring athletes like Malik Hussie and Sparticus Griffin. The current roster, with sprinters like Pishon Haughton, is poised to continue this tradition. Speed events are high-scoring, and Kennesaw State’s consistent performance in the 100m, 200m, and 400m dashes, coupled with their dominant relays, often provides the necessary margin for victory in tight conference championships.
4. State-of-the-Art Facilities and Training Infrastructure
Recruiting and performance at the NCAA Division I level are heavily influenced by a program’s facilities. Kennesaw State is well-equipped with the KSU Outdoor Track & Field Facility, which opened in 2012 and provides a dedicated space for training and competition. More recently, the university has invested in a new KSU Sport Performance Facility, a state-of-the-art center that benefits all KSU student-athletes, including the track and field teams. This commitment to modern training infrastructure, including strength and conditioning and sports medicine, is essential for minimizing injuries and maximizing the potential of elite athletes like Kali Terza as they seek to compete at the NCAA East First Round and beyond.
5. Strategic and Future-Focused Coaching Staff
The leadership under Director Cale McDaniel and the entire coaching staff, including Head Cross Country Coach Adam Bray, is clearly geared toward sustained success. The coaches have demonstrated an ability to manage the program through a major conference transition while maintaining a championship standard. Their strategic planning is evident in the announcement of the 2025-2026 indoor and outdoor track and field schedules, which are already released, indicating a focus on continuous preparation and elite competition. The schedule includes participation in high-level meets like the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener and the Clemson Opener, preparing the athletes for the rigors of the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships. This proactive and development-focused approach ensures that Kennesaw State will remain a top contender in Conference USA and a consistent presence on the national stage.
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