2025–26 Union Indoor Track and Field Season Preview

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University's men's and women's track and field teams enter the 2025–26 season with renewed depth, strong leadership, and a focused approach following an early and productive preseason.

Head coach Chris Jelks said expectations remain high for both squads as they prepare to open the indoor season on Dec. 6.

As preseason wraps up and attention shifts toward the year ahead, Jelks said the Bulldogs remain in a strong position to improve despite the loss of several key athletes.

"My expectations are high," Jelks said. "We lost a couple of key athletes from last year, but we brought in several new faces that the staff and I feel will make us even better. Our team scores at conference will be higher, both indoor and outdoor."

Jelks said the early start to training has paid off, especially for the program's large freshmen class.

"Preseason has gone great," he said. "We have a big freshman class that has bought into the training we are doing on a college level. Some freshmen came from schools that didn't start training until January or even later, and starting in September really caught some athletes off guard. But everyone is on board."

Athletes echoed that the early start has helped the team settle into a competitive routine.

"Starting earlier really helped me build a better foundation going into the season," said freshman Ava Arnett. "Preseason has been challenging, but in a good way because you can already see the improvements we are making as a team."

Freshman Kaidence Key said the early workload helped her adjust quickly.

"It helped me physically by getting my body into the shape it needs to be in order to compete," Key said. "It helped me mentally by getting my mind used to putting in the focus necessary to be the successful athlete I want to be."

On the men's team, sophomore Zabrey Bortz said the group transitioned smoothly following the cross country season.

"After cross country season ended we were advised to take a week off and jump into training again," Bortz said. "This preseason has come with a lot of excitement."

Senior Valor Pennington added that starting early keeps him locked in.

"It helps me get my mind on the things it needs to be early," he said.

As the competitive season approaches, Jelks said the team's mindset has been strong.

"We are ready to get into the season," he said. "With the first meet Dec. 6, the team is on all cylinders. We will ease into the season, but I am very excited about the possibilities."

He also highlighted several athletes who have emerged as leaders.

"Valor Pennington has made great strides during the offseason and shown that he has leadership ability," Jelks said. "He, along with Isaiah Spears and Connor Partin, are showing true leadership."

Key said Pennington's approach sets the tone for others.

"I look up to Valor the most," Key said. "He seems very motivated and pushes himself to be the best he can be. Looking up to him influences me to push myself to be the best athlete I can be."

Bortz said he models his leadership after Partin.

"I've always looked up to Connor Partin," Bortz said. "He helped me grow into a leader, and I'm excited for this opportunity and season ahead.

Pennington said he tries to lead by keeping his teammates motivated.

"I try to keep people in a positive and motivated mindset daily," he said.

Arnett said her leadership comes through consistency.

"I stay focused on our team goals by always being on time and showing up ready to work," she said. "I try to bring a positive attitude every day and be someone my teammates can depend on."

When speaking on the program's goals and competitive outlook, Jelks said he believes both squads are primed for strong performances.

"I am confident that you will see some records fall this year on both the women's side and men's side," he said. "With more depth, the relays will definitely compete on both sides as well."

He also outlined the team's early-season goals.

"I think we can piggyback off the success of cross country and get top five at indoor conference," Jelks said.

Athletes also shared personal and team-focused goals.

"It's going to be a fun and competitive year for us," Bortz said. "Personally I'm looking to improve my times week after week and compete at the top of the conference."

Arnett said she wants to continue growing in all areas.

"My expectations this season are to continue improving technically and mentally," she said. "I want to compete at a level that helps push our team toward the success we know we're capable of."

Union begins its indoor season on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Centre First Chance Meet, hosted by Centre College in Danville, Ky.