WISE -- The University of Virginia's College at Wise track and field program has announced the hiring of former Cavalier standout Caleb Yeary as an assistant coach. Yeary returns to UVA Wise after an accomplished collegiate career and will work primarily with the program's sprinters, hurdlers, and relay teams.

A native of Ewing, Virginia, Yeary was a historic athlete during his time competing for UVA Wise, becoming the first student-athlete in program history to earn an NCAA provisional qualifying mark. He achieved the milestone multiple times, recording NCAA provisional marks in the outdoor 100 meters in both 2024 and 2025, the outdoor 200 meters in 2025, and the indoor 60 meters in 2025.

Yeary remains one of the most decorated athletes in UVA Wise track and field history and currently holds the program records in the men's 100 meters, 200 meters, indoor 60 meters, and indoor 200 meters. During his time as a Cavalier, he established himself as one of the top performers in program history while also excelling academically. He was named USTFCCCA All-Academic for Indoor Track & Field during the 2024-25 season and earned USTFCCCA All-Academic honors for Outdoor Track & Field in 2024 and 2025. He was also a member of the UVA Wise Dean's List all four years and was named the UVA Wise Male Athlete of the Year in 2025.

Following his time at UVA Wise, Yeary transferred to Samford University to begin his graduate studies and continue his collegiate career. During his season with the Bulldogs, he earned Southern Conference (SoCon) championship honors, winning the indoor 200 meters, the outdoor 100 meters, and contributing to the championship-winning men's 4x100-meter relay team. Samford captured the men's team SoCon championships in both indoor and outdoor track during the 2025 season.

"We are excited that Caleb is coming back to UVA Wise to coach with us," said UVA Wise Head Track & Field Coach Andrew Howard. "He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the sprinting events that will be valuable to our sprint and hurdle group. I have no doubt that the characteristics — hard work, discipline, work ethic, and others — that he had as an athlete will be what makes him a successful coach. Our staff is excited to work with him this upcoming season."

Yeary expressed his excitement about returning to the program in a coaching role.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity and excited to get started," said Yeary. "I'm looking forward to learning from Coach Howard and working with our student-athletes to help them reach their full potential."

Yeary's return brings a unique perspective to the UVA Wise program as a former athlete who experienced the growth and development of the Cavaliers' track and field program firsthand. He will begin his coaching duties immediately as the program prepares for the upcoming season.