Oakland University’s Ja-Van Poole to Compete in USATF Outdoor Championships Following NCAA Success

 

 

ROCHESTER, Mich. — July 25, 2025 — Oakland University standout Ja-Van Poole is set to take his talents to the national stage as he prepares to compete in the prestigious USA Track & Field (USATF) Outdoor Championships. The announcement follows Poole’s impressive performance at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Semifinals, where he secured All-American Second Team honors in the 400-meter hurdles.

Poole, a rising star on the Golden Grizzlies track and field team, continues to make history for Oakland University. His qualification for the USATF Outdoor Championships marks a significant milestone not only in his athletic career but also for the university’s track and field program. He becomes one of the few Oakland athletes in school history to reach this elite level of national competition.

At the NCAA semifinals, held earlier this summer in Eugene, Oregon, Poole delivered a commanding performance in the 400m hurdles, finishing among the top competitors in the nation. His time of [insert official time if known] secured him a spot on the All-American Second Team—a recognition awarded to athletes who finish between 9th and 16th place nationally.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Poole said following his NCAA performance. “To be named an All-American and now get the chance to compete at USATF is something I’ve dreamed about. I’m proud to represent Oakland and grateful for the support from my coaches, teammates, and family.”

Head Coach Paul Rice praised Poole’s dedication and growth throughout the season. “Ja-Van has shown remarkable consistency and resilience. He’s been improving with every race, and this opportunity to compete at the USATF Championships is well deserved. It reflects not only his hard work but also the progress of our entire program.”

The USATF Outdoor Championships, scheduled to take place [insert date and location], serve as the premier national event for track and field athletes in the United States. The competition features the country’s top collegiate, professional, and post-collegiate athletes, with implications for future international competitions, including World Championships and Olympic qualifying.

Poole’s inclusion in this elite field puts him among the nation’s best in the 400-meter hurdles, an event that demands speed, technique, and mental toughness. He will compete against seasoned professionals and emerging talents, gaining invaluable experience and exposure on a national platform.

For Oakland University, Poole’s success is a symbol of the growing strength of its athletics programs. His journey from conference meets to the NCAA semifinals and now the USATF Championships showcases the university’s ability to develop high-caliber athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.

As Poole continues to train and prepare for his next challenge, the Oakland community will be watching with pride and anticipation. Whether or not he advances beyond the USATF Championships, his achievements have already cemented his place among the greats in Oakland track and field history.