Cullowhee, N.C. – The Western Carolina track and field teams are back in action for the first meet of the 2025-26 indoor season as they swing down to Clemson, S.C., for the Clemson Opener at the Tigers' on-campus Clemson Indoor Track & Field Complex. Admission to the meet is free.
Fourteen schools are scheduled to compete in the season-opening meet on Friday, Dec. 5, with events beginning at 10 a.m. with the men's pole vault, high jump, and shot put. Track events hit the starting blocks at 11:20 a.m., though the Catamounts won't see action until Noon in the 60-meter hurdles.
Friday's opener concludes with the men's 4x400m relay hitting the starting blocks at 5:10 p.m.
Friday's Meet:
Clemson Opener: 10 a.m. - 5:10 p.m.
Live Results: Flash Results
Teams (15): Anderson (S.C.), Benedict, Claflin, Clemson, Florida A&M, Furman, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, Norfolk State, South Carolina, SC State, St. Thomas (Fla.), Southern Wesleyan, Tennessee, and Western Carolina
Catamounts to Watch:
Western Carolina fields a strong lineup in the short sprints, with 13 student-athletes taking part in the 60m, 60m hurdles, and the 200m sprints. Graduate student CJ McFerrin, senior Noah Straley, and sophomores Leyton Shuler, Ian Hicks, and Kamdyn Swartz will see action in those events for the men among the returners, along with newcomers Delton Jones and Arrone Cosentino also competing.
Returning senior Shaneil Lysight and juniors Cymoria Thomas and Kendal Hudson, are expected to compete on the women's side, with newcomers Shaniya Shirley, Celia Gully, and Gabrielle Harris expected to make their WCU debuts.
A full contingent of Catamounts will see action in the throws events as well, with senior Toria Roundtree, junior Gabby Reeve, and sophomores Lexie Durban, Ericka Jackson, and Emmie Finley competing for the women's team. Seniors Austin Cline and Dominick Dale, juniors Austin Ramirez and Dakota Sorrells, sophomore Kolton Weaver, and freshman Anthony Hawkins Jr. are competing for the men.
Up Next for The Catamounts:
The Catamounts will have the rest of the calendar year off before returning to full competition in split-squad action at the Clemson Invitational and the UNC Asheville Collegiate Opener on Jan. 10.
