Track Central: 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The excitement is palpable as the 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships kick off this week, with over 50 athletes from the University of Tennessee (UT) set to compete. Taking place from May 15-17 at the stunning University of Kentucky Outdoor Track and Field Facility, this event promises a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess in one of college sports’ most prestigious conferences.
A First Look at the Championships
The action begins with UT’s standout freshman, Aidan Ifkovits, who will be launching into competition in the men’s hammer throw at 2:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. The anticipation builds as the running events light up the track at 5:30 p.m. with Ka’Myya Haywood competing in the women’s 800-meter prelims. The evening culminates in dramatic fashion with the women’s 10,000-meter finals featuring three Lady Vols at 7:40 p.m.
What to Expect on Day Two
Prepare for an action-packed Friday starting at 3:30 p.m. when Mikele Vickers takes the runway in the women’s long jump. The excitement continues as the women’s 100-meter hurdles preliminaries roll in at 5 p.m., spotlighting three more Lady Vols. The evening closes with the thrilling finals of the 3,000-meter steeplechase for both men and women, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. respectively.
Championship Finale on Saturday
As the championship wraps up on Saturday, the stakes are high with rookie Donna Douglas representing UT in the women’s discus throw at 2:30 p.m. The heart-racing running finals kick off around 6:05 p.m. with the women’s 4×100-meter relay, directly leading to the grand finale—the men’s 4×400-meter relay—set for 9:40 p.m.
The Lead-up to the Championship
Under the keen guidance of third-year head coach Duane Ross, Tennessee boasts a formidable presence at this year’s meet, with the men’s team ranked third and the Lady Vols sitting at No. 25 in the USTFCCCA national track & field rating index. The men’s squad is also recognized as No. 4 in the SEC power index.
Follow the Action Live!
Don’t miss a moment of the action! The 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships will be streamed live all three days via SEC Network+, accessible here or through the ESPN app. Additionally, Saturday’s evening session will be broadcast on SEC Network, featuring a dynamic broadcasting team including Dwight Stones, Dan O’Brien, John Anderson, and Larra Overton.
Important Links for Live Coverage:
- Thursday, May 15: Live Stream
- Friday, May 16: Live Stream
- Saturday, May 17: Live Stream
Throughout the weekend, live results will be available courtesy of PrimeTime Timing.
Seeded Vols and Lady Vols
UT athletes will bring their best to the track, entering the meet with 24 top-8 marks in the SEC this season across various events. Here are some athletes to watch:
Men
- Javonya Valcourt – 400m – 50.68 (No. 7 SEC)
Women
- Myreanna Bebe – 100m Hurdles – 12.81 (No. 4 SEC)
- Women’s 4x100m Relay – 43.57 (No. 8 SEC)
- Women’s 4x400m Relay – 3:29.73 (No. 7 SEC)
- Sarah Schmitt – Pole Vault – 4.45m / 14-7.25 (No. 2 SEC)
- Mya Strahm – Pole Vault – 4.35m / 14-3.25 (No. 6 SEC)
- Donna Douglas – Discus – 58.78m / 192-10 (No. 2 SEC)
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tennessee?
Athletes achieving top-48 marks on the NCAA Division I East Region qualifying list will earn a ticket to Jacksonville, Florida, for the 2025 NCAA East Preliminary Rounds at the famed Hodges Stadium, taking place from May 28-31.
Conclusion
The 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships promise to be a remarkable spectacle filled with intense competition and stellar performances. Keep an eye on the Tennessee Vols as they aim for glory in Lexington and beyond. Whether you are cheering from the stands or watching from home, the excitement is just around the corner!
