Zach Kehler Earns Spot in 800 Finals at NCAA Track Championships

EMPORIA, Kan. – University of Tampa men's track and field student-athlete Zach Kehler earned a spot in the finals of the 800 meters at the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Friday evening at Welch Stadium.

Kehler posted a qualifying time of 1:49.56 in the national semifinal event to advance to Saturday's championship final. The junior finished fourth in his heat and secured one of the qualifying positions to move on to the final round.

The Tampa runner split 54.74 through the opening lap before closing in 54.82 over the final 400 meters.

Kehler becomes the latest Spartan men's runner to reach the NCAA championship final in the 800 meters, following previous national qualifiers Gabe McConville and Shane Cohen.

The NCAA Division II men's 800-meter championship final is scheduled for Saturday at 6:15 p.m. EDT.