The Virginia Union University Men's Track & Field team wrapped up a remarkable season, finishing 2nd overall at the recent championship meet. This outstanding achievement not only highlights the team's individual talents but also showcases the growth and unity that has been cultivated over the past year. From record-breaking performances to strong relay finishes, the team demonstrated resilience, hard work, and determination throughout the season.

Track Event Highlights

• Antonio Smith stole the spotlight by claiming 1st place in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.96, setting a new school record and earning a national ranking of 14th in NCAA Division II. Smith also earned a 4th place finish in the 200m and was a key member of the 1st place 4x400m relay team, contributing to the team's success in multiple events.
• Franklin Kipchirchir continued to shine with impressive performances, taking 1st place in the 5,000m with a time of 15:10. Kipchirchir also secured 3rd place in the mile (4:28) and played an integral role in the 3rd place DMR relay team.
• Rodgers Korir earned 2nd place in the 5,000m with a time of 15:11 and helped secure 3rd place in the DMR relay alongside Kipchirchir.
• Darryl Wilson Jr delivered an outstanding 3rd place finish in the 60m dash, clocking a personal best of 6.87, and contributed to the 2nd place 4x400m relay finish.
• Barrian Authurs earned 2nd place in the Heptathlon, marking an exceptional individual performance for the team.
• Chase Burke claimed 4th place in the 400m with a time of 49.99 and was an important member of the 1st place 4x400m relay team.
• Mychael Tucker impressed by making finals in both the 200m and 400m, contributing to the success of the 1st place 4x400m relay team.
• Men's 4x400m Relay delivered an impressive victory with a 1st place finish, including Smith, Tucker, Wilson Jr., and Burke.
• Men's DMR Relay placed 3rd with contributions from Kipchirchir, Burke, Darren Hill, and Korir.

Field Event Achievements

• Zachary Jones earned 1st place in Shot Put and was honored with the CIAA Field Athlete of the Year award, showcasing his dominance in the event.
• Jaleal Hamlett secured 1st place in the Triple Jump with a personal best of 14.83m, ranking 28th in NCAA Division II, further solidifying the team's field event strength.
• Dequan Boone placed 3rd in Shot Put, continuing to be a strong force in the field events.

Coach's Reflection on the Season
Head Coach Franck Charles expressed immense pride in his team's accomplishments: "I am very proud of our team. We fought all season to become a better team, and I truly believe we achieved that. Our goal was to secure the number one spot though we fell just short, we are grateful to see how far our program has come. Last year, we placed 4th, and this year, we finished 2nd. One of our athletes earned Field Athlete of the Year, and multiple athletes placed 1st and in the top five at this past meet. We even had an athlete break the school record in the 60m hurdles."
Coach Charles went on to express his excitement for what lies ahead: "From where we started since I got here, I couldn't be more proud of our athletes. Thank you to my assistant coaches for the hard work they put in every day. I am incredibly lucky to have the best coaching staff. Now, as we head into outdoor season, our focus is on securing that number one spot. I truly believe we have the team to make history. We just have to keep working, stay disciplined, and most importantly, keep praying for everyone's health and success."

Looking Ahead: Outdoor Season Goals
With a strong indoor season behind them, the team is focused on continuing their momentum into the outdoor season. The dedication, improvement, and camaraderie displayed by the athletes provide a solid foundation for what's to come. With a talented roster and clear goals, the team's sights are set on achieving the top spot and making history in the process.
The future is bright for the Men's Track & Field team, and the upcoming outdoor season promises to bring even more exciting achievements. Stay tuned for more updates as the team continues to push toward excellence.