LEXINGTON, VA -- The UVA Wise men's and women's track and field teams returned from Christmas break in strong form, delivering multiple school records, top-five finishes, and personal bests at the VMI Invitational, hosted by Virginia Military Institute. The one-day meet marked the Cavaliers' first competition of the spring semester.

MEN'S HIGHLIGHTS

The UVA Wise men turned in a series of record-setting and podium performances, led by senior Jonah Adams, who broke the school record in the 800 meters with a time of 2:00.36. Adams also contributed to another record-breaking effort as a member of the men's distance medley relay team that finished second in 10:38.98, alongside Dylan Colander, Luke Collie, and Chad Douglas.

Sophomore Henry McFarlin continued his standout season in the field events, setting a new school record in the long jump with a leap of 6.59m (21-7.50).

On the track, the Cavaliers placed two runners in the top four of the 3000 meters, with Patton Shortt finishing third (9:29.05) and Dorian Almer taking fourth (9:36.15). Freshman Dylan Colander also posted a strong performance in the mile with a personal-best 4:32.12.

In the field, David Williams cleared 4.00m (13-1.50) to finish second in the pole vault, while Bennett Estremera earned a third-place finish in the high jump (1.85m) and Brayden Houchins added a fifth-place clearance (1.80m).

Junior Bobby Cline matched the school record in the weight throw with a mark of 15.77m (51-9), finishing tied for fifth, while additional personal bests came from Caleb Ghammashi (3000m), Luke Collie (400m), Solomon Muwanguzi (800m), Avone Noel (200m), Logan Seith (shot put), and Michael Jenkins (shot put).

WOMEN'S HIGHLIGHTS

The Cavalier women also made history, highlighted by junior Lydia Slemp, who broke the school record in the mile with a time of 5:19.04, finishing third overall.

Sophomore Jordyn Taylor continued her dominance in the pole vault, setting another school record with a clearance of 3.35m (10-11.75) to finish third. In the throws, Lexi Carter placed second in the shot put (11.70m), while senior Nia Rogers finished third (11.46m). Carter also added a personal-best throw of 14.22m (46-8) in the weight throw.

Distance standout Sylvie Fracis recorded a fifth-place finish in the 3000 meters (11:22.11) while also achieving a personal best in the event.

An additional personal best performance came from Kylie Brodt (200m), highlighting a strong showing from the Cavaliers across sprints, distance, and field events.

UP NEXT
The Cavaliers will continue their indoor campaign next weekend as they travel to Salem, Va. for the Bast-Cregger Invitational, hosted by Roanoke College, on January 30–31.