The Collegiate Conference of the South released its 2026 preseason men’s and women’s outdoor track and field polls Tuesday, with Belhaven earning top-four recognition in both categories.
In the men’s poll, Belhaven was picked third with 27 points, finishing behind Piedmont, which led with 32 points and four first-place votes. Asbury was second with 31 points and three first-place votes, while Maryville was fourth with 20 points. Huntingdon College, Covenant College, and LaGrange College rounded out the rankings.
The Blazers return Neal Terry, a two-time CCS Field Athlete of the Meet and the 2025 CCS Athlete of the Year. Terry claimed conference titles in high jump, long jump, and triple jump last season, and ranked nationally in Division III with a No. 30 long jump at 7.06 meters and a No. 22 triple jump at 14.15 meters, earning USTFCCCA All-Region honors. Belhaven also brings back all-conference performers Julius Phillips and Justice Moore, aiming to improve on last season’s standings.
On the women’s side, Belhaven was ranked fourth with 31 points. Piedmont led with 47 points and six first-place votes, followed by Covenant with 44 points and two first-place votes. Asbury was third with 37 points. The Blazers’ roster features senior Kimona Haynes, who swept major CCS awards last season, including Track Athlete of the Meet, Overall Athlete of the Meet, and Athlete of the Year. Haynes secured five conference titles across the 100m, 200m, and 400m, and anchored relay teams to gold medals.
Competition begins Saturday, March 7, with the 2026 CCS Men’s and Women’s Championships scheduled for April 21-22 at Belhaven. The Blazers will open their outdoor season at the MC Season Opener in Clinton, Mississippi. Updates on Belhaven athletics are available on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and supporters can visit Team Green Giving to support the program.
