In February of 2026, Senior Niles Medcalf announced his Division I commitment to the University of Kansas Track and Field team, to compete in the 400 and 800-meter run. He attributes his hard work and dedication to the LSE track team as the reason for his ability to compete collegiately, among the 1.9% of male high school track athletes who make it to Division I, according to the NCAA.
Being aware of the fact that a small percentage of people are granted the same opportunity as him has helped Medcalf feel accomplished in his sport.
“It makes me hope that through my journey and efforts I can inspire other track athletes to follow a similar path to success as me,” Medcalf said.
Medcalf was only a freshman when he started Track and Field at LSE. He had lost interest in his previous sport, basketball, and was looking for something new to try.
“[As a freshman] I was looking around to see what area I fit best in,” Medcalf said. “Once I found the 400, I [had] one thing to stick to and progress in.”.
As well as track and field, Medcalf also began competing in cross country his junior year after LSE sprinter coach, Carol Moravec recommended he try it.
After that, he decided to try the 800-meter run, not knowing if he’d be competitive in the event, and he soon set the school record. Medcalf’s quick progression to success wasn’t solely based on his natural talents, but his consistency and effort.
“I became very successful by showing up everyday, even when I didn’t feel like it,” Medcalf said.
Also, competing and practicing in the off-season was a very important component of his training.
Medcalf said he participates in The Lincoln Youth Track Club in the summer and runs in meets outside of Lincoln Public Schools as an unattached runner.
At first, track was just a fun activity for Medcalf. But as his times improved throughout his junior year, and competing after high school seemed like a reality for him.
In-state schools began contacting Medcalf, but he found himself most interested in the University of Kansas, which he eventually reached out to.
According to Medcalf, the University of Kansas head track coach Stanley Redwine also competed in the 400 and 800-meter. So, he felt comfortable knowing Redwine would be more familiar with him as an athlete.
In order to get these opportunities, it requires a lot of grit and dedication. “As someone once told me, ‘you can’t win if you don’t show up’” Medcalf said. “in order to compete at a higher level in your sport you have to want it more than anyone else.”
Another component that was important for Medcalf when committing to the University of Kansas was having coaches that are flexible.
Medcalf has experienced injury all throughout his highschool career and felt he “needed coaches to work around that.”
During his freshman year, Medcalf was met with slight hamstring irritation, but it didn’t become serious until his sophomore year, where he pulled his hamstring three times.
“It took away my whole season,” Medcalf said. “I was just devastated after that.”
Following his injuries, Medcalf had to work his way back up by seeing professionals and getting more in-depth care.
“I made sure to put my very best effort into each and every day,” Medcalf said.
Medcalf’s passion, determination and ability to show up for himself led him to a successful highschool career that is affording him the opportunity to compete at the next level.
