WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Southern Virginia University men's track and field team performed admirably at the 2026 USA South Indoor Track and Field Championship meet.
With several teams loaded with talent and great depth in various event groups, the Knights put their best foot forward in pursuit of a third consecutive USA South Indoor title.
They finished in fourth with a total of 77.99 points, just fourteen shy of second place, but also produced two individual champions.
Individual Results
Six pole vaulters helped Southern Virginia gain an early edge in the team score. They combined for 30.9 points and were led by Parker Arnold, whose vault of 4.35m (14' 3.25") pushed him into the winners circle.
Another highlight of the day was from a rookie, Sawyer Apple, who broke an overall conference record in the 60 hurdles.
After cruising through the prelims with ease, Apple led the finals from gun to tape and clocked in at 8.61 seconds to rewrite the record books. Fellow freshman Jackson McDonald performed well himself, grabbing fourth place in a career best time of 8.82.
In the 400, Zeke Newman powered his way to fourth in a time of 49.99 to earn valuable points and help the Knights spend much of the first half of the day in the lead.
Newman also led a strong contingent of Southern Virginia jumpers by mounting the podium in third after the long jump. AJ Word nearly equalled him with his finish in the triple jump, placing fourth after a leap of 13.41m (44' 0"), a career best.
Joseph Hughes produced another notable finish, running a blistering final lap in the mile to garner third in a time of 4:27.25.
In the end, the Knights couldn't keep pace with the eventual champions, Pfeiffer, ending a two-year reign as conference champions.
Looking Ahead
The team will stay indoors over the next couple of weeks, as some athletes attempt to qualify for the upcoming indoor national championship meet on March 13th.
Next, they'll compete at the South Region qualifier, hosted by Shenandoah University from March 6-7th at the James R. Wilkins Center.
For the most up-to-date information on the team and meet schedule, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightxctf on Instagram.
