KLAMATH FALLS, Ore - It was a weekend to remember for the College of Idaho track and field program as the Yotes delivered a series of standout performances across three major competitions — the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Multi-Event Championships, the Oregon Tech Invite, and the Larry Byerly Invitational hosted by Lewis & Clark College. The team racked up four new CCC qualifying marks, two NAIA National "B" standards, nine new Top 10 all-time performances, and a brand-new school record, along with an impressive 39 personal records.
CCC MULTI-EVENT CHAMPIONSHIPS – Grit, Growth, and Podium Finishes
The CCC Multi-Event Championships kicked off the momentum with big efforts in the decathlon and heptathlon.
On the men's side, Thaiden Cannin delivered a breakout performance in the decathlon, piling up 5,569 points — a massive personal best by 444 points — to place sixth overall and move to #8 on the all-time C of I list.
The women made just as much noise. Mattie Shirts turned in a stellar heptathlon performance, finishing third with 4,209 points, earning All-Conference honors and improving her own mark at #7 all-time. She now ranks #14 in the NAIA for the event. Meanwhile,
CALDWELL, Idaho — April 19, 2025 — It was a weekend to remember for the College of Idaho track and field program as the Yotes delivered a series of standout performances across three major competitions — the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Multi-Event Championships, the Oregon Tech Invite, and the Larry Byerly Invitational hosted by Lewis & Clark College. The team racked up four new CCC qualifying marks, two NAIA National "B" standards, nine new Top 10 all-time performances, and a brand-new school record, along with an impressive 39 personal records.
CCC MULTI-EVENT CHAMPIONSHIPS – Grit, Growth, and Podium Finishes
The CCC Multi-Event Championships kicked off the momentum with big efforts in the decathlon and heptathlon.
On the men's side, Thaiden Cannin delivered a breakout performance in the decathlon, piling up 5,569 points — a massive personal best by 444 points — to place sixth overall and move to #8 on the all-time C of I list.
The women made just as much noise. Mattie Shirts turned in a stellar heptathlon performance, finishing third with 4,209 points, earning All-Conference honors and improving her own mark at #7 all-time. She now ranks #14 in the NAIA for the event. Meanwhile, Kota Bussen debuted in her first full heptathlon, scoring 3,551 points and placing sixth.
LARRY BYERLY INVITATIONAL – Records Fall and National Rankings Climb
The distance crew made major waves at the Larry Byerly Invitational, claiming podium finishes, national qualifiers, and school history.
In the men's 1500m, Daniel Butler stole the spotlight, clocking 3:51.71 to finish third — a CCC and NAIA "B" qualifying mark that currently ranks him #16 in the nation. Oclan Ryan followed closely with a 3:56.70, good for 8th place and #10 all-time at C of I.
The 5000m was a clinic by the Yotes:
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Hayden Bostrom crushed the track with a 14:36.05, placing 2nd and climbing to #4 all-time (currently #13 NAIA).
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Elias Everist followed with 14:40.57, improving his #7 all-time mark (#16 NAIA).
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Brevin Vaughan rounded out a dominant pack with a 14:51.40 for 5th place.
Braden Heath broke the tape — and a school record — in the 3000m steeplechase, winning in 9:15.59 and earning an NAIA "B" qualifier, now ranked #6 nationally. Teammate Ashton Drage wasn't far behind, finishing second in 9:27.49, now #4 all-time and #16 in the country.
On the women's side, Kylee Quinton continued her breakout season, clocking 2:14.13 in the 800m for 4th and dominating the steeplechase in 11:00.99, moving up to #4 all-time and #4 in the NAIA. Jovi Kuskie also impressed in the steeple, finishing sixth.
In the 5000m, Kahea Figueira (17:25.25), Julia Gilbert (18:04.16), and Molly Connor (18:07.00) all placed in the top 10, continuing to strengthen the Yotes' distance depth.
OREGON TECH INVITE – Throwers Dominate Field Events
The throwers made a powerful statement at the Oregon Tech Invite, racking up podium finishes and conference qualifiers.
Patxi Franks had a stellar outing, winning the discus (40.70m), finishing second in shot put (14.46m), and fifth in hammer (41.34m) — the latter earning him a CCC qualifying mark.
Lucas Midgett (2nd in hammer – 44.99m, 3rd in shot – 13.43m) and Tyson Terry (4th in hammer – 42.39m, CCC qualifier) also put together big days.
On the women's side, Ella Christensen led the charge, winning shot put (10.87m), placing third in hammer (39.83m), and finishing sixth in discus. Kaylee Wuest added to the hardware haul with a win in the discus (39.05m), moving up to #8 all-time at C of I, and posted solid marks in both shot and hammer. Janika Barker and Ashley Sheirbon also hit big throws in the hammer, with Barker achieving a CCC qualifying mark (38.52m).
Bussen debuted in her first full heptathlon, scoring 3,551 points and placing sixth.
LARRY BYERLY INVITATIONAL – Records Fall and National Rankings Climb
The distance crew made major waves at the Larry Byerly Invitational, claiming podium finishes, national qualifiers, and school history.
In the men's 1500m, Daniel Butler stole the spotlight, clocking 3:51.71 to finish third — a CCC and NAIA "B" qualifying mark that currently ranks him #16 in the nation. Oclan Ryan followed closely with a 3:56.70, good for 8th place and #10 all-time at C of I.
The 5000m was a clinic by the Yotes:
-
Hayden Bostrom crushed the track with a 14:36.05, placing 2nd and climbing to #4 all-time (currently #13 NAIA).
-
Elias Everist followed with 14:40.57, improving his #7 all-time mark (#16 NAIA).
-
Brevin Vaughan rounded out a dominant pack with a 14:51.40 for 5th place.
Braden Heath broke the tape — and a school record — in the 3000m steeplechase, winning in 9:15.59 and earning an NAIA "B" qualifier, now ranked #6 nationally. Teammate Ashton Drage wasn't far behind, finishing second in 9:27.49, now #4 all-time and #16 in the country.
On the women's side, Kylee Quinton continued her breakout season, clocking 2:14.13 in the 800m for 4th and dominating the steeplechase in 11:00.99, moving up to #4 all-time and #4 in the NAIA. Jovi Kuskie also impressed in the steeple, finishing sixth.
In the 5000m, Kahea Figueira (17:25.25), Julia Gilbert (18:04.16), and Molly Connor (18:07.00) all placed in the top 10, continuing to strengthen the Yotes' distance depth.
OREGON TECH INVITE – Throwers Dominate Field Events
The throwers made a powerful statement at the Oregon Tech Invite, racking up podium finishes and conference qualifiers.
Patxi Franks had a stellar outing, winning the discus (40.70m), finishing second in shot put (14.46m), and fifth in hammer (41.34m) — the latter earning him a CCC qualifying mark.
Lucas Midgett (2nd in hammer – 44.99m, 3rd in shot – 13.43m) and Tyson Terry (4th in hammer – 42.39m, CCC qualifier) also put together big days.
On the women's side, Ella Christensen led the charge, winning shot put (10.87m), placing third in hammer (39.83m), and finishing sixth in discus. Kaylee Wuest added to the hardware haul with a win in the discus (39.05m), moving up to #8 all-time at C of I, and posted solid marks in both shot and hammer. Janika Barker and Ashley Sheirbon also hit big throws in the hammer, with Barker achieving a CCC qualifying mark (38.52m).
