The Virginia Union University men's cross-country team competed in the Queen City Invitational on Saturday, September 12, in Charlotte, N.C.

The Panthers continued to make progress as they prepare for the CIAA Championship Meet, with the team gaining valuable experience against a strong field of competition.

"Our men's team is getting stronger every week," said VUU Head Cross-Country Coach Franck Charles. "We just need to continue putting in the work, staying healthy, and getting everyone back to full strength. We are still not completely healthy as a team, but I believe we have a real opportunity to be better than we were last year."

Charles acknowledged that the Panthers' current team placement is not where the team ultimately wants to be, but said the challenging schedule was designed to prepare VUU for championship competition.

"I know our current placement may not be where we want it to be, and I'm not satisfied with it," Charles said. "However, when I created this schedule, I knew these meets would be challenging. I intentionally wanted our athletes to compete against strong competition because if we want to be the best, we have to challenge ourselves against the best."

Charles said the team's early-season competitions are part of a larger plan designed to position the Panthers for success at the CIAA Championship Meet.

"Everything we are doing right now is part of the bigger picture," Charles said. "These meets are preparing us for the ultimate goal: the CIAA Championship Meet."

With the season continuing to progress, Charles believes the Panthers have the potential to make significant strides.

"We are heading in the right direction," Charles said. "Now it's time to stay focused, stay healthy, continue working, and trust the process. I truly believe this team has the potential to accomplish something special this season."

Virginia Union will return to action when the Panthers compete in the CNU Invitational on Friday, September 18, in Newport News, Va.