Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Virginia Challenge
Marshall Track & Field Competes at Virginia Challenge
4/16/2026 11:08:00 AM | Track and Field
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Exactly a month away from the final day of the 2026 Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championships, Marshall Track & Field begins competition at the Virginia Challenge in Charlottesville.
Director of T&F Keith Roberts' Herd is currently posting 22 separate Top-10 marks in the conference as the team looks to push its marks forward at a competitive field over the weekend.
"Our focus this week is moving up in the conference list," Director Roberts said. "I want everyone to move up and that is going to be my challenge to the team. If someone is on the outside looking in for the Top-8, do everything you can to get in the Top-8. If you are 8th, try to get in the Top-4 or 5. At the end of the day, the conference championship is what our success is gauged on in this sport. We are at the championship part of our season, so this is where we are preparing to see who is ready to go at the championship."
The meet begins Thursday at 5 p.m. with the Men's and Women's Javelin with freshman Karlee Buterbaugh going on the women's side. Junior Brooks Theis will follow for the Marshall men.
"Our team makes tremendous progress every day and it's reflected in our season so far," said Theis. "Being able to carry momentum from a great indoor season into outdoor has led us to a lot of growth as a team, but also connecting as a family."
"I focused on subtle improvements from our success at Tennessee and made those the center of our practices so now I can feel confident in new positions and speeds."
Currently, the highest league mark on the women's side is junior Taylor Spencer's 10:57.81 mark in the 3K Steeplechase. A personal record time of 10:52.63 would lift Spencer into the top spot in the SBC.
"My goals going into this meet are to compete well, make moves at the right time, and get a steeplechase PR," Spencer said. "It's been a privilege to be a part of everything this team has accomplished. From school records, to community service, to the encouragement across all event groups. I'm very blessed to be a part of this growing program."
Following the Virginia Challenge, Marshall will have two more meets before the SBC Outdoor Championships in Mobile, Ala.
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