The Francis Marion University track and field teams are set to compete at the 2026 Conference Carolinas Championships from April 23-25 in Myrtle Beach, SC, with 22 athletes participating in 21 events. Admission is priced at $12 per day or $26 for a multi-day pass. The women鈥檚 team aims for a strong showing, building on a sixth-place finish from their indoor season, while senior Rileigh Lacy hopes to defend her pole vault title. On the men's side, graduate Ryan Hunter targets the javelin title, entering as the reigning champion.

By the Numbers
  • 22 athletes competing (12 men, 10 women).
  • Rileigh Lacy ranks first in pole vault (3.36m).
  • Ryan Hunter ranks second in javelin (67.04m).
  • Aukeyonna Sims holds second-best long jump (5.75m) and high jump (1.65m).
State of Play
  • Championships span three days, with events starting April 23.
  • FMU women aim to leverage a successful indoor performance.
  • Multiple athletes are top-ranked in their events, boosting team confidence.
What's Next

As the championships approach, FMU teams expect to build momentum with top performers aiming to showcase their skills, potentially influencing future recruitment and team dynamics. Successful outcomes could lead to more extensive recognition and support for the track and field programs.

Bottom Line

The upcoming championships present a critical opportunity for FMU athletes to excel, demonstrating their talent and strengthening team stature within Conference Carolinas. Key performances could elevate their profiles and enhance future competitive opportunities.