TOPEKA, Kan. – Michael Nivala Jr. wrapped up the 2026 Macomb indoor track season on Friday (March 6) with a trip to the NJCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championship. The star freshman is the first Monarch to reach the national stage in track since the reintroduction of the program.

Nivala competed in the 5000-meter race at Sneed Indoor Athletic Facility in Topeka, Kan. and ran against elite talent from across the junior college stage nationally.

Nivala crossed the line in 17th place, running a 15:43.79. He earned his way into the meet after running a personal-best time of 15:06.33 back on Feb. 7 at the Grand Valley State University Big Meet. 

Along with the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championships, Nivala has also competed in the NJCAA National Cross Country Championships as a freshman. 

He and his teammates will return to action soon for outdoor track season.