The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) track and field teams are preparing for their last regular season competition of the 2026 outdoor schedule at the John Weaver Invitational, hosted by Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. The meet is set to take place from Friday, April 24 through Saturday, April 25 at the Randy Marion Track and Field Facility.
This event serves as a final opportunity for athletes to compete before heading into the Southern Conference (SoCon) championships. According to VMI Director of Track and Field Zack Scott, “This is our last meet before SoCon, and the focus is simple: compete hard, execute, and build momentum. Our men have some strong opportunities this weekend, but the bigger goal is showing we are ready to perform when the championship arrives.”
Scott also said that building confidence ahead of SoCon is a key objective for both men’s and women’s teams. “This weekend is about building confidence and carrying momentum into SoCon. Our women have several good opportunities across the sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws, and I want to see us compete with poise, energy and consistency,” he said.
The Keydets recently participated in the Virginia Challenge hosted by the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Sophomore Reagan Gilman broke her own school record in the women’s 800 meter event with a time of 2:07.67.
A range of VMI athletes are scheduled to compete in various events over the weekend including javelin throwers Ava Buckner and Ruth Dickersheid on the women’s side; sprinters such as Naturale Faison; distance runners like Hayden Talbott; jumpers including Genevieve Cummings; as well as multiple relay teams. The men’s roster features competitors such as Grayson Talbott in javelin; Kevin Koumondji in sprints; Deonte Harris in triple jump; Camden Gonzales in hurdles; Cameron Lambert running mile; along with others participating across throwing events and pole vault.
With only one meet left before conference championships begin next month, VMI aims to use this competition to sharpen performances across all disciplines.
