Flying Salukis Win 15th Straight Regional Title
Southern Illinois University's aviation team captured the Region Eight championship at Purdue University, advancing to the national competition next May.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Air Travel
The SIU Flying Salukis won their 15th consecutive Region Eight championship at Purdue University, claiming both the flight and ground events. The team qualified for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association championships in May in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Why it matters
The regional win extends one of the longest championship runs in collegiate aviation competition and secures the team's place at the national event. It also shows a young roster performing at a high level, with the program's national qualification streak continuing.
The Flying Salukis claimed titles in eight of nine events entered and placed six pilots among the top seven overall finishers. The team includes nine freshmen, and the program has qualified for nationals 57 times in the last 58 years.
The players
Southern Illinois University Flying Salukis
The SIU aviation team is a collegiate flying program that has repeatedly qualified for national championship competition.
James Cone
A senior from Byron who earned top pilot and top scorer honors at the regional competition.
Nathan Lincoln
The head coach of the Flying Salukis, who credited veteran leadership and young talent for the team's success.
The details
The Flying Salukis won both the flight and ground events, finishing ahead of Purdue and Lewis University. Senior James Cone of Byron earned top pilot and top scorer honors, while Coach Nathan Lincoln credited veteran leadership and rapid development of a young squad.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: SIU wins its 15th straight regional crown at Purdue University.
May 2027: The team competes at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association championships in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Season Trajectory
The regional title keeps SIU among the leading collegiate flying programs, with a national top-five finish streak now at 17 consecutive seasons. The result sets up another national appearance in May, where the defending national champions will compete again.
Fans interested in collegiate aviation can follow the Flying Salukis at the national championships in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in May. Those traveling to watch should plan lodging and transportation in advance for the Wisconsin event.
The takeaway
The Flying Salukis' record shows how a young team can sustain elite performance when veteran members mentor newcomers. Readers following collegiate aviation can watch for the team's results at the national competition next spring.
What happens next
The team will compete at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association championships in May in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Further reading
Explore more on Air Travel and how collegiate flying competitions are shaping regional aviation interest in Illinois.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSIU.
