Posted: Jan 16, 2026

Ranger Men's Track & Field Shine in Distance Events at Owen Hewett Invitational

NORMAN, Oklahoma — January 16, 2026 — The Ranger College men's track & field team turned in an outstanding performance at the Owen Hewett Invitational, highlighted by multiple event victories, national qualifiers, and a new school record in the distance events.

Modingwane Leads with National Qualifiers

Freshman Amantle Modingwane delivered a dominant day on the track, capturing first place in the Men's 800 Meter Open with a time of 1:56.12, qualifying him for the NJCAA National Championships. He followed that performance with another victory in the Men's Mile Open, clocking 4:15.83 to secure a second national qualifying mark. Modingwane capped his day by winning the Men's 3000 Meter Open in 8:37.79, a time that not only qualified him for a third event in the nationals but also set a new Ranger College school record.

Strong Depth Across Distance Races

Ranger's depth was on full display throughout the meet:

Joseph Simon placed 2nd in the 800 meters with a time of 2:00.17.
In the mile, Khanya Yali finished 2nd in 4:25.43, while Zachary Roome placed 3rd with a time of 4:29.50.
Tanner Moser placed 18th in the mile, finishing in 5:01.45.

In the 3000 meters, Ranger runners continued to impress:

Khanya Yali placed 2nd with a time of 8:44.71.
Joseph Simon finished 4th in 9:09.94.
Zachary Roome placed 6th in 9:34.54.
Tanner Moser rounded out the group with a 10th-place finish in 10:02.73.

Coach's Take

"We couldn't have asked for a better way to open the season," said De'Torrian Green, head coach of Ranger College men's track & field. "Amantle set the standard today, and the entire distance group competed with confidence and purpose. Setting a school record and qualifying for nationals in three events this early shows the work these guys have put in, and we're excited about where this group is headed."

Next Up

Ranger College will return to action at the Washburn Open, scheduled for January 30–31 in Topeka, Kansas.

Photo credit: De'Torrian Green