Strong Finish: Bluefield Track Teams Conclude Season
Photo courtesy of Bluefield University Athletics and burams.com.
The Bluefield University track team concluded its 2025–2026 season in stride at the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament.
Each member of the team put their best foot forward in the final meet of the year. Dayson McMillian delivered personal bests in both sprinting events, finishing the 100-meter dash in 11.24 seconds and the 200-meter dash in 23.34 seconds. Shot put competitor Jaylen Holmes recorded a throw of 11.89 meters.
Lana Hackler led the women’s squad with a 14th-place finish in the 100 meter sprint at 12.62 seconds and placed 16th in the 200 meters with a time of 26.72 seconds. The women’s relay team of Hackler, Alayshia Griffith, Emmy Spaulding, and Summer Ward crossed the finish line in 52.74 seconds.
McMillian reflected on one of his proudest accomplishments of the season.
“It was awesome when I hawked down the one in my heat to win the race,” he said. “I’m doing my master’s here, so I’m not done competing. I want to make a name for myself here for track.”
During the indoor season, Spaulding etched her name into the Bluefield record books in the women’s 400-meter event with a school-record time of 1:08.52. As only a sophomore, Spaulding has a bright future ahead. Griffith shared her sentiments on the season.
“This track season has been nothing short of amazing,” she said. “From cheering each other on to picking one another up when we didn’t compete our best or had teammates dealing with injuries.”
Griffith also reflected on being a senior and potentially concluding her collegiate track journey.
“After the conference tournament, I gave Coach Mark (White) a hug and started crying because after working so hard, it felt like it went so fast,” she said.
Although grateful for this season, Griffith and McMillian are both looking to return to Bluefield next year to complete their master’s degrees while continuing to compete. Additional returners include freshmen Ella Gawellek, Autumn Matthews, and Jason Johnson in the field events, along with runners Spaulding and Weldon Moffett.
While both teams were small in number this year, head Coach White has been working diligently to bring in new recruits to strengthen the program. With a core group of dedicated returners and fresh talent on the horizon, the Rams are building momentum and setting the stage for an even stronger, more competitive season ahead.