News Summary
Bowling Green prepares for the Brent Chumbley Memorial Hilltopper Relays on March 28-30, 2025. This event honors coach Brent Chumbley and features exciting track and field competitions showcasing top athletes from WKU and other institutions. Expect thrilling performances, a jersey retirement ceremony, and a celebration of team spirit as the university recognizes its senior athletes during this unforgettable weekend.
Excitement Builds in Bowling Green for the Inaugural Brent Chumbley Memorial Hilltopper Relays
This weekend, Bowling Green is set to burst with energy as Western Kentucky University (WKU) proudly presents the very first Brent Chumbley Memorial Hilltopper Relays. Slated for March 28-30, 2025, this event is not just a showcase of athletic talent but also a heartfelt tribute to a beloved figure in the university’s sports history.
A Tribute to a Legend
The relays are named in memory of Brent Chumbley, the dedicated director of WKU Cross Country and Track & Field, who sadly passed away on January 31, 2025. The decision to rename the relays after Coach Chumbley serves as a beautiful reminder of his lasting impact on the program and the many lives he touched during his coaching career.
Hilltopper Spirit Shines Bright
Adding to the excitement is the fact that the Hilltoppers just came off of a very successful performance at the recent Margaret Simmons Invitational held at Murray State University. The Men’s team finished in a commendable second place, while the Women’s team secured a solid fourth place. It’s clear that the athletes are bringing their best as they head into the relays.
Fans will be particularly interested in the dazzling junior sprinter Jayden Freeman, who showcased his incredible speed by winning the 100m dash at the invitational with a lightning-fast time of 10.49 seconds. Also making waves was freshman Zachariah Taylor, who claimed second place in the same race with a strong finish of 10.67 seconds. From the looks of it, these young athletes are on their way to making a name for themselves!
Field Events Steal the Show
The strong performances didn’t stop at the sprints. Sophomore Devon Rogers made headlines by landing a first-place finish in the Javelin Throw, achieving an impressive distance of 54.15 meters. Meanwhile, the Men’s Discus competition turned into a showcase for the Hilltoppers, who claimed three of the top four spots. Junior Luke Stegman led the pack, winning first place with a remarkable throw that reached 50.93 meters!
A Weekend Packed with Events
As the relays kick off at 11 a.m. on Friday, excitement will be palpable, starting with the men’s hammer throw. In addition to WKU, several other teams including Brescia, Bellarmine, and Belmont will also be competing, making it a thrilling showdown of talent.
Celebrating the Season and Team Spirit
Saturday will bring even more excitement, as the university honors its seniors at 1 p.m.. This is always a touching moment where the achievements of the senior athletes are celebrated, marking the conclusion of their collegiate athletic careers with pride.
Another special feature of the weekend will be the jersey retirement ceremony for former track and field standout Gayle Harris Watkins, which is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. It’s a significant recognition for an athlete who has made a mark in WKU history, further enhancing the sense of tradition and pride surrounding this inaugural event.
A Celebration for All
The Brent Chumbley Memorial Hilltopper Relays promise to be an unforgettable event filled with thrilling performances, camaraderie, and a celebration of the incredible legacy of Coach Chumbley. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of track and field or just looking for a fun weekend activity, come out and support the Hilltoppers as they honor their past while forging ahead into a bright future. See you at the relays!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Honors Track Legends at Hilltopper Relays
Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Brent Chumbley Memorial Hilltopper Relays Announcement
- WKU Sports: Barton Sets School Record at Relays
- WKU Herald: WKU Hosts Brent Chumbley Memorial Hilltopper Relays
- Wikipedia: Track and Field
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Track and Field
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
