The Horizon League champion Youngstown State men's and women's track and field team were also recognized for their success in the classroom as 10 Penguins earned spots on the 2026 Valeo Outdoor #HLTF All-Academic Team, the league announced Wednesday.

Six men and three women received all-academic team honors, while another Penguin earned honorable mention recognition.

On the men's side, Michael Ballone, Blaze Fichter, Jaden Kirkwood, Lukas Lang, Connor Shingleton and Trenton Shutters were all selected. McKinley Fielding, Ainsley Hamsher and Caleigh Richards represented YSU on the women's side, while Lexus Solarz earned honorable-mention honors.

Kirkwood (shot put), Lang (pole vault), Shutters (800m) and Fielding (1,500m) were all Horizon League Champions.

Lang and Hamsher are currently competing at the NCAA East Preliminaries in Lexington, Ky., in the men's and women's pole vault, respectively.

2026 Valeo Outdoor #HLTF All-Academic YSU Selections

Michael Ballone
Blaze Fichter
Jaden Kirkwood
Lukas Lang
Connor Shingleton
Trenton Shutters
McKinley Fielding
Ainsley Hamsher
Caleigh Richards
Lexus Solarz (Honorable Mention)