The Virginia Union University Track & Field team delivered a strong showing at the HBCU Showcase, finishing
second overall out of 15 programs, trailing only Division I
Norfolk State University in the team standings.
The Panthers outperformed a deep and competitive field that included Howard, Morgan State, Kentucky State, Coppin State, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone, Lincoln (Pa.), Prairie View A&M, Maryland Eastern Shore, Bowie State, Bluefield State, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, and Tuskegee University.
"We didn't score some points that we should have, but it was good to see our athletes fight through to the end," said
VUU Head Track & Field Coach Franck Charles. "When you put on a VUU Track & Field uniform, you must be mentally tough and have heart. We competed against and defeated some very strong programs, and we also came away with new 4x400 school records, and that did not come easy.
"There is still plenty of work to be done, but at this point everyone knows we are going to keep breaking records. Now the focus is staying healthy and preparing ourselves to compete for a championship."
VUU recorded a
new indoor school record in the men's 4x400-meter relay, highlighting a weekend filled with standout individual performances and multiple finalists across events. The Panthers have
two meets remaining before the conference championship.
Event Highlights & Placers
4x400 Relay
2nd Overall – New Indoor School Record (3:18.01)
Individual Performances
- Mychael Tucker – 400m: 48.90
- Rodgers Korir – 3000m: 8:37.67
- Darryl Hawkins Jr. – 800m: 5th place (1:57.43)
- Antonio Smith – 200m: 5th place (21.96)
- Jeremiah Palacious – Long Jump: 6.98m
- Timothy Butler – Men's Weight Throw: 15.60m
- Dequan Boone – Men's Weight Throw: 15.46m
- Zachary Jones – Shot Put: 15.52m
- Trevion Hookers – Shot Put: 4th place (15.18m)
- Carson Calhoun – High Jump: 4th place (1.96m)
Finalists
VUU will next compete at the JDL Fast Track Meet on January 25 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
