University of Idaho Vandals Claim 10 Event Victories at Cougar Classic in Pullman, Washington
PULLMAN, Wash. — The University of Idaho track and field program turned in one of its strongest performances of the outdoor season Thursday, with Vandal athletes claiming 10 event victories at the Cougar Classic held at Washington State University’s Mooberry Track. Under clear skies in Pullman, Idaho athletes delivered season-best and personal-record performances across multiple disciplines, signaling strong momentum heading into the final stretch of the 2026 outdoor campaign.
Standout Individual Performances Lead Idaho Charge
Senior Tyler Graff headlined the day’s action with a season-best effort in the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase, one of the more demanding events in track and field. On the women’s side, Naomi Taylor posted a blazing 26.53 in the 200 meters — shaving more than a tenth of a second off her previous season best from April’s Jeff Rahn Classic — to claim victory in the event.
The men’s 200 meters featured a dominant showing from the Vandals as well. Mateo Ganje led a trio of Idaho runners, crossing the line in 21.64 seconds. Sophomore Myron Rethymniotakis reset his personal record with a 21.70, while Logan Peterson also set a new personal best with a time of 22.57. Rethymniotakis added a remarkable debut in the 100-meter dash, posting a 10.91 in his first career attempt at the event to finish second overall, ahead of Idaho teammates Cash Jones, JaRae Long, and Ganje.
In the field events, the Vandals were equally impressive. Gioele Tengattini and freshman Kathryn Burnette each won the shot put for Idaho, with the women’s competition finishing in convincing fashion — Tesse Kamps‘ throw of 13.95 meters secured a one-two finish for the Vandals in the women’s shot put.
Perhaps the most dramatic moment of the meet came in the women’s triple jump. Amanda Munoz fouled on each of her first four attempts before composing herself and soaring to a winning mark of 11.87 meters on her final jump to claim first place — a testament to the mental resilience the coaching staff has worked to develop in the program.
Women’s Long Jump Sweep Highlights Team Depth
Idaho swept the top four spots in the women’s long jump in what may have been the team’s most complete showing of the afternoon. Sydnie Zywina, a graduate student, Jada Miller, and freshman Mara Fuerniss each came within 25 centimeters of their personal bests, demonstrating the depth the Vandals have built in the horizontal jumps.
The performance speaks to the program’s continued development under its current coaching staff, with underclassmen and veteran athletes alike contributing meaningfully to the team’s success. As the University of Idaho continues to build across its academic and athletic programs, Thursday’s results reflect the kind of competitive culture taking shape in Moscow and on the road.
The Vandals have now strung together consistent performances throughout the outdoor season, with multiple athletes setting or approaching personal records in each of the past several meets. Idaho’s track and field program appears to be peaking at the right time as conference and postseason competition approaches.
For those keeping tabs on the full scope of Vandal athletics, Idaho’s women’s tennis team recently wrapped up its own season in Phoenix, capping a busy spring stretch for University of Idaho sports.
What Comes Next
The Vandals will not have long to rest. Idaho’s outdoor track and field season continues next weekend, with athletes splitting between two high-profile invitational meets — the Oregon State Invite and Arizona’s Desert Heat Classic. Both events will provide valuable competition as the program works toward its postseason goals. Fans and supporters in the Moscow and Latah County area can follow along with results as the Vandals look to carry this momentum forward. For more statewide sports and athletics coverage, visit Idaho News and the Idaho News Network.