FEATURE: Whitney Farrell Caps Outstanding Final Month at Ferris State with Graduation, NCAA Nationals Berth
By Sandy Gholston
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Less than two weeks ago, Whitney Farrell walked across the stage, graduating summa cum laude from Ferris State's College of Engineering Technology, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture and sustainability on May 8.
However, that's not quite the end of this chapter of her Bulldog journey.
The senior from Freeland has earned the right to compete in the 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Emporia, Kansas, May 21-23. Farrell will represent the Bulldogs in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on Thursday, May 21, at 8:10 p.m.
The steeplechase finals are scheduled for Friday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m.
Farrell is among 22 individuals competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She holds the 17th-best time at 10:33.43 heading into the championships hosted at Emporia State University's Welch Stadium.
"I really just want to have fun and soak in the whole experience because it's something I'll never get to experience again," she said. "Obviously, I want to run well and compete the best I can, but more than anything I want to finish knowing I gave everything I had out there. If I can do that, I know I'll look back on this experience with a lot of good memories."
In the twilight of her Bulldog career, this opportunity is especially gratifying.
"It's honestly really special to have this opportunity in my last season at Ferris State University," Farrell said. "Coming into college, I never expected to still be competing at this point of the season. So, I'm just really grateful for the experience."
Farrell qualified for the championships by reaching the provisional standard in her event. The top 22 declared student-athletes in each individual event earned spots in the national meet.
Competing in one of track and field's most unique events, the steeplechase, Farrell has identified keys to success during her college career.
"A big part of the steeplechase is being consistent with your steps going into the barriers so you can stay smooth and avoid stuttering before the jump. But honestly, I think the mental side of the race is just as important as the physical side. If you have a bad jump or clip a barrier, you can't let it affect the rest of your race because you immediately have to focus on the next one."
Whether things go well or not so well, Farrell said runners have to quickly turn the page.
"Being able to reset quickly and stay composed throughout the race is probably one of the biggest keys to success in the steeplechase," she said.
Farrell looks forward to standing among the nation's best NCAA Division II track and field athletes while representing Ferris State one more time.
"Being able to represent Ferris one more time and compete alongside such talented athletes means a lot to me," Farrell said. "I know it's something I'll look back on and appreciate for a long time."
Beyond the track, the Spring 2026 Ferris State graduate is preparing for the next phase of her academic and professional career.
"Right now, my plan is to work for a year and then return to pursue a Master of Architecture at Kendall College of Art and Design," Farrell said. "I'm excited to keep learning and work toward getting my architecture license."