The VMI men’s track and field team began competition at the John Weaver Invitational hosted by Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina on April 24. Several athletes achieved top finishes during the first day of events.
The invitational marks an important opportunity for VMI athletes to test their skills against regional competitors and set personal records as the outdoor season progresses.
Junior Cameron Thomas secured the team’s highest placement of the day, finishing second in the pole vault with a height of 4.87 meters. Teammates Tyrus James and Jesse Vaughn followed closely, taking fourth (3.82 meters) and fifth place (3.67 meters), respectively. In other field events, Vahin Middough finished fourth in the high jump by clearing 1.85 meters, while senior Isaiah Blount placed fourth in the javelin throw with a distance of 44.88 meters. Freshman Grayson Talbott earned seventh place in javelin at 40.54 meters.
On the track, sophomore Camden Gonzales recorded a new personal record while finishing sixth in the steeplechase with a time of 10:14.70 seconds; teammates Timothy Renquist (seventh, 10:16) and Colin Crenshaw (eighth, 10:26) also posted strong results in that event.
In throwing events, Tazewell Rae finished tenth overall in hammer throw after reaching a mark of 41.33 meters.
The Keydets are scheduled to continue competing on Saturday as they take part in additional events on day two of the John Weaver Invitational.
