The Shadow
HARRISONBURG, Va. (VR) – The 2025 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Outdoor Track and Field Championship brought high energy and fierce competition to Eastern Mennonite University on April 25–26, as student-athletes from across the region converged in Harrisonburg to vie for conference titles and personal bests.
Competing on EMU’s home track, the two-day event showcased top-tier performances from local college athletes representing institutions such as Bridgewater College, Roanoke College, Shenandoah University, and the host, Eastern Mennonite University. The championship served as a pivotal moment in the spring season, with athletes looking to qualify for NCAA Division III nationals while also contending for team honors within the ODAC.
One of the local highlights came from Gabe Miller, a graduate of Alleghany High School, who posted a new personal best in the 10,000-meter race with an impressive time of 32:33.22. Miller also competed in the 5,000 meters, finishing in 15:37.65, capping off a strong showing across the long-distance events.
The Virginian Review spoke with Miller following the race. He noted that the weather posed an added challenge. “The weather was tough,” he said. “I had to push through downpours, but that didn’t stop me.” When asked what helps him power through such demanding races, Miller added, “I tell my teammates to line the track to yell at me and to help keep me focused. They constantly remind me why I am there.” Gabe stated that his eyes are already focused on the next goal.
Another standout local athlete, Emma Nicely, a student at Shenandoah University, also competed in the ODAC Championship. Nicely placed 11th in the women’s 800-meter run with a solid time of 2:23.87. She also contributed to Shenandoah’s women’s 4×400-meter relay team, which earned a 6th-place finish with a time of 4:16.92.
Levi Counts, a student at Roanoke College, also represented the region in the men’s 10,000-meter run. Counts finished 16th overall, crossing the line in 36:22.44 in a race marked by wet and challenging conditions.
In the field events, Bridgewater College’s McKinley Goodbar competed in three disciplines. Goodbar placed 8th in the shot put with a strong throw of 12.91 meters. He also finished 13th in the hammer throw, reaching 34.22 meters, and rounded out his weekend with a 22nd-place showing in the discus, throwing 27.09 meters.
The meet marked a significant milestone in the spring track and field season, as many athletes reached personal milestones, contributed to their teams’ efforts, and tested their skills against the best in the conference. The championship setting also provided a platform for school pride, sportsmanship, and the celebration of collegiate athletics.
