Buena Vista, VA - After a thrilling USA South Men's Indoor Track and Field Championship in February, the outdoor championship meet promises to be just as exciting. On Wednesday afternoon, the USA South released the Pre-Championship Coaches Poll for the Outdoor Track and Field Championship. The Knights hold the top spot in the poll, receiving three of a possible six first-place votes.

While favored to win for the fourth consecutive season, Southern Virginia will be heavily pursued by last year's runner-up, Pfeiffer, and Brevard, who split the other three first-place votes. The USA South has become increasingly competitive over the last couple of seasons as a large spread of talent makes each event even more crucial.

The Knights were faced with another year of significant turnover within their roster, but Head Coach Kyle Chandler and his staff have put together another potent group, with many improved athletes from last season in an attempt to win a fourth straight outdoor title.

Joseph Hughes headlines the roster after winning the 1,500m event at last year's championship, and double-dipping in the 800m and mile during the indoor championship earlier this year. Along with Hughes, Dylan May and Kedryn Chandler will also play a key role in helping the Knights rack up points in the distance events.

In the javelin throw, Nolan Opp has taken the region by storm. He's continued to build on the success he experienced at this meet last season where he finished first while breaking a meet record. Southern Virginia's pole vaulters, one of the deepest groups in the country, will also look to pile on points in a meet that could be decided during the last few events.

Jalen Williams will look to add valuable points in a stacked field for the 100m and 200m. He owns the best mark for the Knights in those events. 

Despite winning last season's outdoor team title by nearly 100 points, only 34 points separated them from Pfeiffer for the Indoor Crown in February. 2025 could be the closest contested conference meet since the Knights won their first title in 2022.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightxctf on Instagram.