MORGANTOWN, WV — The track may be quiet when the starter pistol hasn’t fired, but don’t mistake the silence for dormancy — because **West Virginia University Track & Field** is making *major* noise on the national stage.
Once considered a steady, middle-tier program, the Mountaineers have now broken through into the elite echelon of collegiate athletics. With a potent blend of rising stars, experienced leadership, and world-class coaching, WVU’s Track & Field team is now competing — and winning — against some of the NCAA’s biggest programs.
### Speed, Strength, and Strategy
From explosive sprints to dominant distance events and jaw-dropping field performances, WVU athletes are excelling across the board. Standouts like **Rachel Stokes**, a top-5 national performer in the 400m hurdles, and **Tyrell James**, who recently broke the school’s long jump record and finished second at NCAA Regionals, are turning heads coast to coast.
In the throws, **All-American hammer specialist Danae Miller** has drawn praise for both her technical precision and her consistency. And in the distance realm, WVU has quietly become a hub for endurance excellence, thanks to a recent recruiting wave out of the Midwest and New England.
> “There’s a culture shift happening,” said Head Coach Sean Cleary. “We’ve built a program that doesn’t chase flash — we chase fundamentals, commitment, and heart.”
### A Team Built on Grit
Unlike traditional powerhouses with endless budgets, West Virginia’s rise has been powered by hard work, under-the-radar talent, and a relentless belief in growth over glory.
The Mountaineers recently finished with their highest-ever team placement in the **Big 12 Indoor Championships**, and followed that up with an explosive showing during the outdoor season, sending a record number of athletes to NCAA Regionals and earning multiple All-American honors.
### Eyes on the Future
With the 2025–26 season already in focus, recruiting momentum is strong. WVU has locked in three top-100 high school prospects and recently secured a transfer from an SEC program with national podium experience.
As WVU continues its rise, one thing is clear — the Mountaineers are no longer underdogs.
**They’re contenders. They’re climbers. And they’re running their way into college track & field history.** 🏃♂️🏃♀️💛💙
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