Virginia Union University's women's and men's track teams opened the 2024 outdoor season when the Panthers competed in the Dan Stimson Memorial Invitational, hosted by the College of William & Mary on Saturday, March 16.

A total of seven teams competed in the meet.  VUU, along with William & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, Regent University, Bowie State University, George Mason University and Christopher Newport University all fielded athletes.

Congratulations to Aiden Bryce Laws for opening the season with a personal best of 48.89 in the 400 meters, placing him 1st overall in his event. Laws also placed fifth in the 200-meter dash, running the event in 22.06.

Mychael Tucker took second overall in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.66. Tucker also placed second in the 400 meters, running a personal best of 49.48.

Alpha Balde took third overall in the 200-meter dash, running a personal best time of 21.83. Balde also ran a season best of 50.42 in the 400 meters, placing him fourth overall.

On the field side, congratulations to Thariq Walters for winning the men's triple jump with a mark of 45'8."

Congratulations to Zachary Jones for breaking another school record.  Jones now has the men's discus record with a mark of 143'2."

Shakir Clark came in fourth in the pole vault, and Dequan Boone placed fifth overall in the Shot Put.

On the women's side, Toni Middlebrooks achieved a personal best in the 400-meter dash, securing second place with an impressive time of 58.17. Middlebrooks also competed in the 200-meter dash, finishing fifth overall with a time of 26.24.

Kayla Lee made a strong start with a time of 12.52 in the 100-meter dash, earning second place overall.

In the field events:  Jade Lane claimed second place in the javelin with a throw of 27.57 meters.

Kiara Shepherd delivered a commendable performance by finishing third overall in the Triple Jump with a jump of 36 feet.

"Overall, our team performed well above our expectations at our first outdoor meet," said VUU Head Track & Field Coach Franck Charles.  "I am immensely proud of all the athletes. As I've told them, it doesn't matter how you start; it's about how you finish. We have a lot of room for improvement this season, and we're eagerly looking forward to our next meet at the University of Richmond."

Virginia Union will now compete in the Fred Hardy Invitational, to be held at the University Richmond on Friday, March 22, in Richmond, Va.