BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (www.blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's track and field team competed at the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Championships on Friday and Saturday at the Birmingham Cross Plex. Kayla Behnke was the focal point for the Blugolds as she earned her eighth career podium placement and All-America honors during the weight throw on Friday. The Blugolds' 4x400 relay team earned podium placements on Satruday, rounding out UWEC's 24th place finish with nine points.

Kayla Behnke's consistency at the championship site continued this year as she collected her eighth career All-America honor, placing third overall in the weight throw. Despite missing her personal best by one hundredth of a meter, Behnke's throw of 19.42 meters in the fifth round was her furthest mark of her four years competing on the grand stage. Her third place finish is also her highest placement in any NCAA Championship. 

The women's 4x400 relay team of Kylee Grabarski, Mya Cinnamo, Britt Fitzgerald, and McKenzie Kruse set a season best during the finals on Saturday with a school record final time of 3:47.70 to earn sixth overall and All-America honors for the third straight championship.

Despite not making the finals, Allyson Kakes also set a school record in the 200 meter race during Friday's qualifiers. Kakes finished with a time of 24.54 seconds to set the new record that was previously held by Carly Fehler in 2015 (24.64 seconds).

Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on our app, Blugold Sports, and on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.