Exciting Season Ahead for Liberty’s Track and Field Team
Lynchburg, Va. – Liberty University is ready to kick off its 2026 outdoor track and field season. This Saturday, the team will head to Lannigan Field in Charlottesville for the Virginia Opener. It’s a friendly competition featuring teams from Navy, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Events start at 11 a.m. with the women’s javelin.
What’s Happening?
The weather looks promising, with temperatures around 70 degrees and clouds in the sky—perfect for athletes to give their best.
Fans and followers can catch live results on Flash Results.
Meet the Athletes
Men’s 400 Hurdles
Josh Blalock, entering his senior season, is back as the defending CUSA champion in the 400 hurdles. He set a personal best of 51.75 seconds last year and now ranks ninth in Liberty’s history. He’ll be joined by teammates Patrick Adams III, who has a 52.20 personal best, and Wallace Tupper II, who excelled in high school with a time of 38.71 in the 300 hurdles.
On the women’s side, freshmen Lucy Hauser, Alivia Rivera-Norman, and Adelle Schlotterback all had remarkable high school records in the 300 hurdles, with times below 45 seconds.
Discus Throw
In the discus event, redshirt senior Christian Hicks leads the group. He’s just shy of national qualification from last season and ranks fifth in Liberty history with a throw of 188-3. Senior Beau Backes has made the NCAA Division I East First Rounds three times, while Trevor Veenstra, a promising freshman, placed fourth in the CUSA discus last year.
On the women’s team, freshmen like Bethany Tate are already making waves, coming off a CUSA indoor shot put win and a solid showing in previous seasons. Ellie Stine, also a standout, set a high school record of 154-2.
Javelin Throw
Ben Shughart is back in action after missing last season due to an injury. His personal best of 226-9 ranks him fourth in program history. Freshmen Nathan Haas and Isabella Frattura are set to make their debuts. Haas won the Pennsylvania AAA state title with a throw of 204-4, while Frattura earned her second consecutive title at the New Jersey Meet of Champions with a personal best of 150-3.
Hammer Throw
Sophie Gonzalez is a first-year Lady Flame who holds the Guatemalan national record at 204-4. She previously qualified for the NCAA Division I East First Rounds while at Wake Forest, making her one to watch.
Looking Forward
After this weekend, Liberty’s athletes will compete in two meets: the Raleigh Relays at NC State and the Dr. Jack M. Toms Alumni Invitational at the University of Lynchburg, both scheduled later in March.
The Bigger Picture
The track and field community continues to grow, with participation rates rising across the U.S. From 2000 to 2020, the number of high school athletes in track and field has increased by 11%, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. It’s a sport that keeps bringing young talent to the forefront.
These athletes are not just competing; they’re setting records, breaking personal bests, and inspiring the next generation of track and field stars.
Stay tuned for more updates as Liberty’s season unfolds!
