What a way to close the indoor season!
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Indoor Track & Field Championship history was made as Virginia Union University claimed its first indoor conference title — and the institution's first CIAA track & field championship of any kind since 1934.
The victory marks a milestone moment for the Panthers, as the men's program becomes the first track & field team in school history to bring a championship back to Virginia Union University.
"We made history as the first track team to bring a championship home to Virginia Union University," said VUU Head Track & Field Coach Franck Charles. "This is a wonderful feeling that I can't even explain. I am extremely proud of our men's team. All season long, we faced many challenges especially with the weather, but we never made excuses. We found ways to make it work, and we brought home a championship for the first time in school history.
"Not only did we win the championship, but our coaching staff was also named Coach of the Year. I am truly proud of the coaching staff that God has blessed us with."
Individual & Team Highlights
Virginia Union's championship performance was fueled by standout individual efforts and depth across multiple events:
- Rodgers Korir – 1st place, 5000m; 5th place, mile; key member of the DMR relay team.
- Carson Calhoun – 1st place, high jump.
- Zachary Jones – 1st place, shot put (back-to-back conference champion).
- Antonio Smith – 1st place, 60m hurdles; now a two-time conference champion in the event.
- Jeremiah Palacious – 1st place, long jump (personal best 7.33m, ranking 17th in NCAA Division II); 2nd place, heptathlon. He competed in 13 events and nearly posted personal bests across the board.
- Darryl Hawkins – 2nd place, 5000m; 4th place, mile (PR 4:23); 4th place, 800m.
- Dequan Boone – 2nd place, shot put.
- Men's Distance Medley Relay (DMR) – 2nd overall.
- Chase Burke – 2nd place, 400m (personal best 48.01).
- Lishawn Speller – 3rd overall.
- Mychael Tucker – 4th place, 400m (48.25).
- Jeremiah Brown – 4th place, 60m (personal best 6.89).
- Trevion Hooker – 4th place, shot put.
- 4x400m Relay Team – 4th overall.
- Keon Koonce – 5th overall, 5000m.
The Panthers demonstrated championship depth, scoring across sprints, distance, jumps, throws, hurdles, relays, and multi-events to secure the historic title.
"This wasn't just a win — it was a statement," Charles said. "We fought. We believed. We made history. And we're just getting started."
