Three Warriors compete at 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sterling College track and field finished off the season at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championship on Wednesday through Friday, May 20-22. Despite the cloudy weather and rainy conditions, the Warriors had two athletes finish in the top 15 of the nation.

"Cedric, Belle and Charles represented Sterling College Track and Field very well last week," head coach Mason Blevins said. "While I would say each had hoped for a little more in terms of placement, they competed well, and I am very proud of each of them. The experience of a National Championship environment will serve them well going forward and into the next season."

For the men, Charles Jones finished 10th in the triple jump, just outside of qualifying for finals with a jump of 14.62m (47-11.75) in the prelims.

On the women's side, freshman Belle Barnett finished out an incredible season with a 13th-place finish the high jump with a third-attempt clearance at 1.62m (5-3.75).

Cedric Wilson also competed at the national track meet in the men's high jump. However, he along with six other athletes in the event were unable to clear opening height which was set at 1.98m (6-6), two inches under Wilson's season best.

As the season comes to a close, Blevins is encouraged by the progress of his athletes and excited for what the future holds for Sterling College Track and Field.

"This season was another big step forward in the development of our program, and it was successful in many ways. We continue to take strides forward, in both the measurable outcomes, and in the commitment to the process," Blevins said.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #swordsup. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.