The men’s track and field team hopes to carry on their momentum from last season, where they won the 2024 CCS Championship, beating out Berea College, Belhaven University, and Maryville College. After falling short of Berea College in the championship, the women’s team seeks revenge. 

 “I’m confident with what I’m seeing in practice so far that this team is ready to be much better than we were last year,” said senior Jadon Gonzales. “I’m really excited to see more school records go down as a team, and hopefully a 3-peat.”

 Men’s and women’s indoor track and field kicked off their season at the KMS Invitational in Birmingham, Alabama, with three athletes shattering school records. Freshman Jayden Smith set a new school record in the shot put with a 13.94m throw. Junior Silas Goolsby broke a school record in the men’s 600m with a time of 1:23.58. Junior Bella Caccamo also broke a school record and set a new personal best in the women’s 600m with a time of 1:46.49. 

 The KMS Invitational marks one of the five different meets the Lions are set to compete in. The Lions traveled to Danville, Kentucky, on Jan. 25 to compete in the Centre Indoor Showcase. 

 “Given that we lost a big contributor in Gary Halverson, it’ll be interesting to see who will step up and fill his shoes this year,” says Gonzales as they prepare to compete in the Tiger Indoor Open on Feb. 1.