Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina track & field is ready for an early start to its outdoor season, as the Catamounts travel to Mobile, Ala. for the USA Invitational, hosted by the University of South Alabama. The two-day meet is scheduled for March 14-15 at South Alabama's on-campus Jaguar Track.

Friday's action begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with the men's hammer throw before picking up again at 11 a.m. ET Saturday with the men's discus.  

2026 USA Invitational:
Friday, March 13: 6:30 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.
Saturday, March 14: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
All times are listed in Eastern time; All events to follow a rolling schedule.

Live Results: https://tinyurl.com/5cyxm5dv

Catamounts to Watch:
Western Carolina enters the outdoor season after strong performances at the 2026 Southern Conference Indoor Championships to close the indoor campaign. Jacob Thomas retained his SoCon crown in the men's weight throw, while Daniel Coronell collected co-SoCon Freshman of the Year and Most Outstanding Field Performer honors for a 17-point effort.

Claiming a runner-up team finish for the first time since 2019, the Catamount women's team was led by several strong performances. Jasmine Greene and Raelyn Vadala led the Catamounts to 21 points in the triple jump, along with contributions from Celia Gully and Octavia Massena. The throws team collected 20 points in the weight throw, with Emmie Finley and Lexie Durban taking second and third in the event.  

With the outdoor season underway, the Catamounts will see action in the javelin event as Jackson Livingstone and Ericka Jackson push their way up the WCU record lists in the men's and women's competition, respectively. Both Catamounts are second on the all-time performance list in the event, with Livingstone (62.30m) behind only Matt Evans (2010, 66.80m), and Jackson (45.39m) trailing only Ashley Herendon (2001, 45.40m).

Up Next for The Catamounts:
Following outdoor competition in Alabama, the Catamounts head to Charlotte, N.C., for the Big South vs. SoCon Conference Challenge. The three-day meet is scheduled for March 19-21. WCU will have split-squad action as the Catamounts will also compete at the Charlotte 49er Classic, on the same dates.  

The Catamounts then participate in the High Point-hosted VertKlasse Meeting on April 2-3.