The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) track and field teams are preparing to compete in the final regular season meet of the 2026 outdoor season at the John Weaver Invitational, which will take place April 24-25 at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
This event serves as a crucial opportunity for athletes to build momentum ahead of upcoming championship competitions. The meet will be held at the Randy Marion Track and Field Facility, with competition beginning on Friday and continuing through Saturday.
The Keydets recently participated in the Virginia Challenge hosted by the University of Virginia, where sophomore Reagan Gilman broke her own school record in the women’s 800 meter event with a time of 2:07.67. This performance surpassed her previous personal record set just one week earlier at another invitational.
Zack Scott, VMI Director of Track and Field, said, “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.” He added about his expectations for both 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.”
A number of VMI athletes are scheduled to participate across various events including javelin throwers Ava Buckner and Ruth Dickersheid; sprinters such as Naturale Faison; distance runners like Hayden Talbott; jumpers including Anthony Wilkerson; throwers such as Elisha Williams; pole vaulters Jesse Vaughn; among others from both men’s and women’s squads.
As they enter their final tune-up before conference championships (SoCon), VMI’s track athletes aim to refine their performances while seeking individual improvements that could translate into success during postseason meets.
