MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Nighthawks are set for their first test against GNAC competition this season as they travel to Monmouth, Oregon, for the Mike Johnson Classic at Ash Creek Preserve on the campus of Western Oregon University.

The meet will feature a strong field of athletes, including five Division I programs and several GNAC teams. Alaska Anchorage will make its season debut against the Nighthawks, with the Seawolves coming off a 2025 season where their men finished second and women finished third in the GNAC. Seattle Pacific will also be in the field after its women finished second and men finished sixth in the conference last season.

Host Western Oregon will also provide a strong challenge. The Wolves finished fourth on the men's side and seventh on the women's side in the GNAC last season.

Ash Creek Preserve is known for producing fast times, giving the Nighthawks another opportunity to compete on a fast course while facing some of the top teams in the conference.

NNU enters the meet with momentum after a strong showing at the NNU Invitational last weekend. Luke Stockett and Hazel Kunkel both had standout performances at the home meet and were named GNAC Runners of the Week following their races.

With the first GNAC competition of the season and a deep field waiting in Monmouth, the Mike Johnson Classic will give the Nighthawks an early look at where they stand against conference competition.