Virginia Union University Track & Field has reached another historic milestone as Zachary Jones became the first thrower in program history to earn First Team All-American honors after placing third in the discus at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Emporia State University.

Jones delivered a remarkable performance on the national stage, adding another chapter to what has already become one of the most decorated careers in Virginia Union Track & Field history.

"Zachary deserves every bit of this achievement," said VUU Head Track & Field Coach Franck Charles. "He worked extremely hard for this moment, and for this to be his first year fully focusing on the discus makes this accomplishment even more outstanding. Finishing in the top three among all NCAA Division II schools is truly special."

Since arriving at Virginia Union University, Jones has consistently established himself as one of the top field athletes in the CIAA and NCAA Division II ranks. During his career, he has captured multiple conference championships, earned Field Athlete of the Year honors, and collected numerous weekly Field Athlete of the Week awards.

Now, Jones adds First Team All-American recognition to an already historic résumé.

Jones also holds all of the Virginia Union University school records in the throwing events and, on May 22, became the first thrower in school history to earn All-American honors.

Virginia Union officially concluded the 2025-26 season following one of the most successful years in program history.

2025-26 Season By The Numbers
Cross Country

• Athletes of the Week: 3
• School Records: 3
• CIAA Top 5 Finishers: 1
• CIAA Team Placements:
  • Men — 2nd
  • Women — 3rd
• CIAA All-Conference Athletes: 5

Indoor Track & Field

• Athletes of the Week: 1
• School Records: 25
• CIAA Top 5 Finishers: 35
• CIAA Team Placements:
  • Men — 1st
  • Women — 6th
• CIAA All-Conference Athletes: 11
• First Team All-Americans: 1
• Second Team All-Americans: 1

Outdoor Track & Field

• Athletes of the Week: 6
• School Records: 23
• CIAA Top 5 Finishers: 27
• CIAA Team Placements:
  • Men — 1st
  • Women — 5th
• CIAA All-Conference Athletes: 11
• First Team All-Americans: 1

"Thank you, God, for giving us the strength and blessings for a historical season that will never go unnoticed," said Charles. "Thank you to our coaching staff, athletes, support staff, and everyone who supported Virginia Union University Track & Field and Cross Country throughout the year.
"This season was truly one for the history books."