The Virginia Union University men's track and field program is celebrating a historic season as two Panthers have qualified to compete at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships, scheduled for March 13–14 at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.

The national championship appearance comes during a landmark year for Virginia Union, which captured its first-ever indoor conference championship earlier this season. Now, the Panthers will be represented on the national stage by Antonio Smith and Carson Calhoun, two athletes who have delivered standout performances throughout the indoor campaign.

"We are truly grateful for the opportunity to compete with the best in Division II," said VUU Head Track & Field Coach Franck Charles.

Smith enters the national meet ranked 8th in NCAA Division II in the 60-meter hurdles and brings valuable championship experience. He qualified for the national championships last season and finished 10th overall, earning Second-Team All-American honors—just outside the top eight required for First-Team All-American status. Smith also holds the Virginia Union indoor school record in his event and will be looking to make program history by reaching All-American status this year.

Calhoun has emerged as one of the Panthers' breakout performers during the indoor season. He captured first place at the CIAA Indoor Championships, tied the Virginia Union indoor high jump school record, and currently sits 17th in Division II rankings. Calhoun will be chasing history as he aims to become the first Virginia Union high jumper to earn All-American honors.

"I am extremely proud of both of these young men," Charles said. "The sky is the limit for them. They have competed at a high level all season, and now they have one indoor meet left to prove they belong among the best in the nation."

"To me, they've already shown they can compete with anyone. Now it's time to go take care of business."

Charles emphasized the significance of the moment for the program.

"It's a wonderful feeling to have two athletes representing us at the NCAA Division II Championships. I don't think people truly understand how big this is—being ranked Top 10 and Top 20 in all of Division II is major," he said. "What makes it even more special is how we're getting it done: no excuses, just results."

Charles also credited the entire coaching staff for the program's success.

"A special thank you to all of our assistant coaches for the amazing job they've done," Charles said. "This is a total team effort."

As the Panthers prepare for the national stage in Virginia Beach, the program hopes the campus community will rally behind its two representatives.

"If you see these young men around campus, please congratulate them and remind them," Charles said. "The job is not finished."