MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Milligan Cross Country and Track & Field has announced a record-breaking 38-athlete incoming class across the men's and women's teams, the largest in program history, as the Buffs build on an unprecedented year of dominance.

In 2025–26, Milligan became the first program in Appalachian Athletic Conference history to sweep all three championships—cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track—on both the men's and women's sides, cementing its status as one of the premier programs in the NAIA.

The 2026-27 class includes 17 signees from the State of Tennessee and 21 national and international recruits, strengthening every event group and expanding Milligan's competitive reach across the Southeast, the U.S., and abroad.

"This historic class—the largest in program history—shows the drive of our young staff, led by coaches Madelyn and Fabio Palmieri," newly minted Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, Chris Layne highlighted. "Bringing in a group of this size and caliber reflects the strong direction of our department and institution."

Milligan's sweep of all six conference championships showcased depth, balance, and consistency across all disciplines. The incoming class mirrors that identity, with elite sprinters, state-champion distance runners, international jumpers, emerging hurdlers, and multi-event athletes capable of contributing immediately.

The Buffs add proven performers and long-term developmental talent to a roster already producing All-Americans and national qualifiers. The list of new faces to the program is below:

National & International Headliners

• Nicholas Buford (M) — Ala.; 10.86 (100m) / 21.99 (200m); top-3 at Ala. State
• Kelsey Burleson (W) — N.C.; 2:23 (800m) / 5:13 (1600m)
• Kendale Cook (M) — N.C.; 21.90 (200m) / 14.65 (110H); 4th at N.C. State
• Riley Ellison (M) — N.C.; 10.86 (100m) / 22.15 (200m)
• Anna Gisler (W) — Texas; 2:22 (800m) / 5:15 (1600m)
• Tereza Iosif (W) — Cyprus; 7.97 (60m) / 12.77 (100m) ; 16-8 (LJ)
• Eden Krenzin (W) — N.C.; 16-11 (LJ); 8th at State
• Hannah Lauenroth (W) — Germany; 4316 heptathlon
• Walter Pugh (M) — Ga.; 22-11 (LJ) at adidas Nationals
• Emils Mattias Reinfelds (M) — Latvia; 8:37 (3k), 31:00 (10k)
• Asia Zanders (W) — La.; 12.37 / 18-2 LJ

Tennessee Standouts

• Eamon Ailshie (M) — Dobyns-Bennett; 1:54 (800m); 3rd at State
• Luke Dark (M) — Anderson Co.; 65-10 (SP) / 153-0 (DT); 2025 State Champion
• McCade Frye (M) — Sweetwater; 4:25 (1600m); 2026 A State Champion
• Lucas Gilliam (M) — Volunteer; 6'4 (HJ) / 22-6 (LJ)
• Kevin McCurry (M) — Volunteer; 1:55 (800m) / 4:17 (1600m)  / 9:18 (3200m); top-4 at State
• Jamira Smalls (W) — Elizabethton; 3rd in SP at State
• Janiya Elechi-Terrell (W) — Rockvale; State Qualifier

Additional National & International Recruits

• Caleb Akins (M) — Distance (S.C.)
• Brandon Begley (M) — Sprints (Tenn.)
• Kayleigh Burkhead (W) — Distance (Ky./Cumberlands)
• Adrian Dougan-Ondo (M) — Sprints/Jumps (Ga.)
• Jahbari Harper (M) — Sprints (Ala.)
• Bryan Layson (M) — Sprints (Ga.)
• Jeremiah McCurdy (M) — Sprints/Hurdles (Ala.)
• Matthew Richardson (M) — Distance (N.C.)
• Sebastian Rodriguez (M) — Sprints (Colombia)
• Nate Thompson (M) — Distance (Colo.)

Additional Tennessee Recruits

• Able Comire (M) — Distance
• Kyra Couch (W) — Distance
• Luke Garner (M) — Distance
• Mikah Guinn (M) — Distance
• Kenzie Letterman (W) — Sprints
• Millie Lovett (W) — Distance
• Rylee McGuire (W) — Distance
• James Mincey (M) — Throws
• Graham Mizell (M) — Distance
• Madisyn Pique (W) — Sprints

With championship momentum behind them, and a deep, versatile incoming class, Milligan XC/TF enters 2026 poised to continue its rise as one of the NAIA's most complete programs. The Buffs added athletes capable of contributing immediately while developing into future conference and national contenders.