Sprinters take their marks. The starting gun blasts. They’re off.

Simultaneously, a jumper takes a final breath before becoming air born and leaving it all in the sand pit.

The result of each ends the same: The crowd goes wild.

On the sidelines, their coaches know that this is not just another stride across the finish line or mark in the sand.

Senior Airiana Beverley, sophomore Kyle Holcomb, and first year Jahmal Jones broke school records at the Mountaineers First Chance Meet on March 21.

Beverley placed the women’s long jump record, soaring through the air to 4.55 meters. Holcomb performed a 109′-5″ discus throw and 114′ 11″ hammer throw, imprinting his name in Panther history. Jones dashed 100 meters in a brief 10.27 seconds and 200 meters in 21.50 seconds, finishing as the fastest Ferrum phenom.

Jones is also ranked #1 in the nation for DIII track and field.

According to their coach, Andre Kidd, their accomplishments were one to celebrate, though not a surprise.

“We knew they were close; we just didn’t know when they would get it,” began Kidd. “Every broken record should be treated as a surprise, and these were well deserved. They put in the work.”

Kidd couldn’t be prouder, nor the athletes.

“It feels absolutely amazing to be a record holder at Ferrum College,” said Beverley. ”It means everything to me knowing that the work I have put in during practices has paid off in a big way. The past two years for me in nursing school have been difficult at times with not being able to be present at every practice, but I did my workouts by myself or after classes or whenever I could.”

Jones agreed.

“It feels great to be a record holder,” he exclaimed. “These events are what I could only imagine as I was younger. It also means a lot to me because there have been many ups and downs in this journey. In moments like this, it makes you appreciate all the trials and tribulations.”

For Holcomb, his accomplishment was a dream come true.

“It feels really amazing and good to be a record holder,” he stated. “It means a lot. One of my goals since I first started track and field was to set or break a record.”

And break records they all did.

The 2024-5 track and field season was Beverley and Jones’ fifth and Holcomb’s fourth year competing in the sport.

Alongside relentless effort and hours of work, Beverley, Jones, and Holcomb accredit their accomplishments to the support along the way.

For Beverley, she’s found encouragement and guidance through her coaches.  As a nursing student and an athlete, the coaches’ compassion and support has not gone unnoticed.

“My coaches over the past four years have played a huge role in my success,” led Beverley. “Coach White, Coach Kidd, and Coach Bus have constantly pushed me to be better every day and to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. They have been understanding with me throughout each season because of my crazy schedule with nursing school.”

Kidd spoke with only admiration for Beverley’s dedication for the sport, her record breaking being a proud coaching moment for him as well.

“Airiana has a loaded schedule, between nursing school, time at the hospital, and here,” he said. “She still shows up every day, gives it her all, and makes it happen.”

With this season being her last, Beverley said she will forever remember the impact Kidd has made on her track and field career.

“Coach Kidd has had nothing but faith in me this whole season,” she said. “He knew I could do big things, which made it so much easier for me to see that picture as well.”

Her goal is to leave Ferrum this May, imprinting more than spikes.

“I plan to work hard and just enjoy the rest of my last season,” Beverley began. “Coach Bus (Baker) really put it into perspective for me when he said that there were only five more meets left in the season, which means I only have five more times to do my events competitively. I want to be able to leave my mark on this program and to be a good role model for my younger teammates.”

Though a sprinter and a first-year, Jones intends to set a standard at Ferrum as high as Beverley’s jumps by Spring 28′.

“I hope that with my hard work and talent to one day get the opportunity to run with the fastest college athletes in the world and show the world why you should become a Ferrum Panther,” Jones announced.

Jones, too, offered thanks toward the positive influence of others throughout his track and field career. A national competitor in high school, he was excited to extend his career with the Panthers.

“The reason I am at Ferrum College is because of Coach (Kevin) Sherman,” he explained. “We discussed athletic matters, and he gave an opportunity to be a Panther. Shout out to Sherm!”

Holcomb also had shoutouts to make, accrediting his record to not just himself, but others too, applying the Ferrum motto to the athletic field.

“My neighbor, Bobby, was the first to actually push me to get into the sport,” he began. “The person who made me fall in love with it was Coach Chandace Golden. I always told her that when I make it to the big leagues, I would never forget her and make sure she got the shout out she deserves. Another coach was my high school coach, Coach Darnell Miller, who always helped me with everything and is still allowing me to come back and train with the team. Also, Coach Catherine Yoast helped me get a lot better and get to States my senior year of high school for discus, where I placed 21st.”

Holcomb’s gratitude could not be contained to a single list.

“I would also like to mention my parents Denise Holcomb and Kyle Holcomb, who came out and supported me at my meets,” he noted. “And all my teammates I’ve had throughout the years who have supported me and pushed me to be my best. Those athletes’ names are Ashley Dickerson, Joseph Skidmore, Max Schubart, and my very own team captain now, Damauri McPherson.”

With a crowd of support, Holcomb is also aiming high for his track and field career.

“I hope to become the best where I could possibly compete at, the Olympics,” he says. “Toward the end of my goal career, I would like to podium either 1st or 3rd.”

Nonetheless, with their dedication, humility, and skill, Beverley, Jones, and Holcomb will remain #1 in the hearts of Panthers and record-books of Ferrum for years to come.