In the 2026 outdoor track and field season, the mighty Idaho Vandals have proven meet after meet, that they are a force to be reckoned with. While multiple athletes compete in the individual events, only a select few have the honor to compete in the relays.
So far this season, the men’s and women’s 4×100 meter relay has been putting on a show and rewriting history in nearly every meet they participate in this season. With explosive speed, clean handoffs, and unmatched chemistry, both squads have consistently finished at the top, establishing themselves as some of the most dominant relay teams in the conference.
Men’s 4×100 relay team:
The men’s 4×100 meter young relay team, composed of freshmen Mateo Ganje, Cash Jones and JaeRae Long, and sophomore Keenan Kuntz, have had an incredible season so far for the Vandals. At the Jeff Rahn Classic in Spokane, Washington, the team flew across the track. Overall, the team crushed to an easy gold medal with a 40.15-second time.
This time recorded was the ninth fastest in school history while also being the second fastest time since 2002 for the relay team. Outside of that performance, Idaho has repeatedly found the podium in every meet they participate in. Their performance not only highlights their raw speed, but also their strong chemistry and precise baton exchanges, which are crucial in relay success.
With such a young lineup already producing historic results, this group has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting and promising relay squads for Idaho, with the potential to continue climbing the record books as the season progresses.
Women’s 4×100 relay team:
The women’s 4×100 meter relay team, composed of sophomore Alyssa Marsh, juniors Jana Willems and Rhyan Madden and graduate student Ashley Hollenbeck Willems, have also had an outstanding season so far for the Vandals. At the Jeff Rahn Classic in Spokane, Washington, the group delivered another dominant performance on the track, continuing a streak of elite finishes.
The team not only secured a first-place finish, but also broke the school record with an unbelievable time of 44.90 seconds. Their performances have consistently ranked among the fastest in Idaho history, proving their ability to perform at a high level under pressure. Outside of their record-breaking runs, the women’s relay has remained a consistent podium threat.
Their success is fueled by explosive speed and strong team chemistry, making them one of the most reliable and dangerous relay squads in the conference. With a mix of experience and confidence, this group continues to raise the standard for Idaho sprint relays and shows no signs of slowing down as the season progresses.
Overall, the Idaho Vandals’ 4×100 relay teams have set the tone for an impressive 2026 outdoor season. Both the men’s and women’s squads have combined talent, teamwork and determination to deliver record-breaking performances and consistent victories.
Whether it is the men’s young group making history or the women’s experienced lineup shattering school records, both relays have proven that Idaho is a serious contender on the track. If their current momentum continues, the Vandals will not only remain dominant in conference competition, but they will also continue to push the limits of the program’s all-time great performances.