DAYTON, TN — The Indoor Track and Field team opened their season at the T&F Exams hosted by Montreat College, delivering an impressive performance in their first outing of the winter campaign.

The Lions were led by standout freshmen Jayden Bowman and Mathew Pfister, who each earned first-place finishes—Bowman in the 1K and Pfister in the 200-meter dash. Bryan totaled nine top-three finishes throughout the meet, showcasing strong depth across multiple events.

On the women's side, two Lady Lions qualified for three Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament events. Carissa Wilson secured her spot with a seventh-place finish in the 5K, clocking 18:46.13. Emily Cathey qualified in both the 1K, finishing in 3:14.50, and the mile, where she placed second with a time of 5:42.99.

On the men's side, three Lions earned qualifications for four AAC Tournament events. Bowman added to his strong day by winning the 1K in 2:40.22, while Brock Adams clinched his spot with a second-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.79. Pfister continued his standout performance by posting a winning time of 22.94 in the 200-meter dash and placing third in the 400-meter dash at 52.50.

Additional top finishes came from Aaron Dewhurst, who placed second in the men's 200-meter dash, and Galilee Raymer, who claimed third in the women's 200-meter dash. Zayne James took third in the 60-meter dash, and Caleb Johnson added another podium finish with third place in the men's shot put.

Overall, this was an impressive first outing for a young Lions squad, offering a clear glimpse of the potential this group carries into the indoor season. With multiple freshmen stepping up, several athletes securing early AAC qualifying marks, and strong performances spread across both track and field events, the team established a solid foundation to build on. The early success not only highlights the depth and promise of the roster but also sets a positive tone as the Lions continue to develop and gain momentum throughout the winter campaign.