'A big opportunity' for Auburn T&F at NCAA Indoors

AUBURN, Ala. – Fresh off a 200m championship at SEC Indoors, Makanakaishe Charamba sets his sights on an even bigger prize at this weekend’s NCAA Indoor Championships.

“Winning everything,” he said. “As a team.”

One of nine Auburn student-athletes competing Friday and Saturday in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Charamba ranks first nationally in his event.

“It comes down to doing the small things, like making sure I’m eating right, sleeping right, hydration and listening to coach,” said Charamba, whose 20.13 200m time set an Auburn record and SEC meet record. “That’s what will make me be successful this postseason. It’s a normal meet. We just have to do our best.”

Transferring to Auburn before last season after winning three individual NCAA D-II championships in two years at Carson-Newman, Charamba anchored the Tigers’ national champion 4x100m relay team.

“It’s a blessing for me because I have everything I need,” Charamba said. “The way I’m running and everything I’m doing in my race shows that I’m on the right track.”

Fellow SEC Indoor champion Ja’Kobe Tharp won the 60m hurdles for the second consecutive year, refining and improving his start after finishing second as a freshman at 2024 NCAA Outdoors.

“I’ve progressed a lot,” said Tharp. “Going from eight steps to seven steps helps me a whole lot. I’m usually behind at the first hurdle. Now we’re all starting at even playing field.”

Along with Charamba and Tharp, Auburn sprinters Kayinsola Ajayi, Azeem Fahmi, Dario Matau and Israel Okon will also compete, giving the Tigers six men’s qualifiers for the first time in 20 years in their bid to win a national championship after finishing second outdoors last summer at NCAAs.

“That’s the main goal,” Tharp said. “It feels good to support Auburn and help my teammates try to bring a trophy home. I train with these guys every day, put the work in with them. It feels fantastic.”

Auburn’s delegation includes three women: Vimbayi Maisvorewa (400m), Ana-Liese Torian (60m hurdles) and Marua Huwalt (weight throw).

“This is a big opportunity,” Huwalt said. “A win for one is a win for all. I’m excited to not only represent myself but my teammates. This is my third time going to NCAAs, first time indoor, but third different event, so hopefully this time will be the first time I bring home a First-Team (All-America) for our team.”

In his third season on the plains, head coach Leroy Burrell is helping Auburn send six men’s runners to indoor nationals for the first time since 1984.

“We expect to perform at a very high level,” Burrell said. “Put ourselves in the best position and let the chips fall where they may. I’m looking forward to witnessing what they can do because they’re a really special group of athletes.

“This group of young men and women have really enhanced and increased the level of focus and dedication, commitment and technical expertise. It shows in the results. You look at all the school records and personal bests. They’ve shown throughout the season that their performances are duplicatable. I expect to see that this weekend. I’m really looking forward to seeing them go after it because when they go, they go get it.”

“When they go, they go get it.”@AuburnTFXC is on its way to Virginia Beach for @NCAATrackField Indoor Championships Fri/Sat.

9 Tigers will compete.

Pre-meet perspective from @BurrellLeroy, @maka_the1st, @MauraHuwalt & @jthurdles ⤵️#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/3r68mJ9i83

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) March 11, 2025

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer