INDIANAPOLIS – UTEP freshmen Michael Kpomassy and Cydni Martin head to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to compete at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships West First Round at John McDonnell Field from May 27-30. Kpomassy, a shot putter, is returning to Fayetteville after recording his first official collegiate mark at the Arkansas Twilight on May 8, while Martin will race in the 100 and 200-meter events. This trip puts both athletes on a stage where raw talent meets deep fields and NCAA pressure is real.
Michael Kpomassy arrives with momentum from that Arkansas Twilight performance, his first official collegiate shot put mark now part of his freshman season story. Making progress matters more than flash at this stage, and a return to Fayetteville offers a chance to measure himself against some of the region’s best throwers. For a freshman, consistency in approach and release will be the difference between a season highlight and a learning day.
Cydni Martin’s double duty in the 100 and 200 meters signals sprint versatility and a willingness to carry UTEP’s hopes across rounds. The 100 requires razor-sharp starts and a willingness to hold form when the lactic burn hits, while the 200 asks for controlled speed around a curve and a gutsy finish. As a freshman, Martin will be tested not just by rivals but by the rounds themselves; advancing through heats is often where experience starts to pile up.
Traveling to the NCAA West First Round means adapting to a new track, different wind conditions, and a stadium atmosphere that can swing momentum in a single sprint or throw. John McDonnell Field has been a proving ground for many athletes, and familiarity with the venue from earlier meets can help, but nothing replaces disciplined warmups and a clear race or throw plan. Simple execution in warmups, mental resets between rounds, and avoiding overthinking will serve both athletes well.
Preparation at this level is more than physical; it’s about routines and rituals that reduce anxiety and sharpen focus. For shot put, consistent ring time and a calm pre-throw routine matter; for sprints, block settings and reaction drills are key. Both Kpomassy and Martin will benefit from sticking to what has worked across the season and resisting the urge to chase big marks on the first day.
The NCAA West First Round draws a mix of top qualifiers and hungry under-the-radar athletes, so nothing can be taken for granted. In sprints, a tight heat can mean seconds on the clock decide who moves on, and the shot put can hinge on a single legal, big toss. UTEP’s freshmen are stepping into a field that rewards boldness but punishes sloppy technique or mental lapses.
Coaching and support staff usually play a quiet role behind the scenes, and their game plan will focus on competition flow and recovery between rounds. Little things like cool-downs, nutrition, and keeping muscles fresh are often the unsung advantage in multi-day meets. For freshmen, leaning on that support helps them navigate the unfamiliar cadence of NCAA championship competition.
For observers, this is a moment to spot potential rather than demand immediate glory. Freshmen frequently show flashes of brilliance and then learn to put it together across seasons. Both Kpomassy and Martin have the raw tools: Kpomassy’s measured throws and Martin’s top-end sprinting. The objective at Fayetteville is to gain experience, collect useful results, and build toward bigger goals for UTEP’s program.
Expect smart, cautious entries into early rounds from both athletes, not all-out gambles. Qualifying rounds are often about survival and clean execution; you can sprint or throw hard on the day that counts later. For UTEP, getting athletes through the first round while leaving them hungry for more is a practical, team-forward aim.
The timeline of May 27-30 gives athletes a narrow window to peak and recover, so pacing across events will be critical. Martin’s two sprints may be scheduled on different days or close together, which affects how aggressively she approaches heats. Kpomassy’s day will be about finding a legal mark that positions him to advance or at least set a baseline for future meets.
This trip to Fayetteville is a milestone for both freshmen and a test of how they respond to NCAA-level pressure. They will leave with more clarity about where they stand and what to refine. For UTEP fans watching, the real story is development: these appearances are the building blocks of stronger seasons ahead.
