Montreat College Exercise Science Students Excel at Regional Conference

On March 11, 2026, a dedicated team from Montreat College's Exercise Science program, guided by Dr. Robyn York and Jarrett Walbolt, represented their institution at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) Annual Meeting in Greenville, South Carolina. The prestigious event attracted more than 1,200 attendees, offering a valuable forum for scholarly exchange and professional development.

A standout moment occurred during a research tutorial session where Hannah Oliver presented "Body Weight Support Treadmills: Updates and Uses," supported by fellow student Ryan Thornburg and Professor Walbolt. Walbolt commended Oliver's exceptional contribution, noting the rarity of an undergraduate leading such a technical discussion.

The competition portion of the conference included a Student Bowl challenge testing multidisciplinary knowledge. Montreat's trio of Wyatt Baggett, Tyler Murray, and Hunter Smathers secured 15th place among 32 competitors, demonstrating impressive analytical capabilities particularly in statistical analysis through innovative data integration.

Despite narrowly missing first place, the team earned recognition for superior performance in key metrics. Special acknowledgment went to Professor Robby Webb, Jr.'s statistical expertise and the expanded analytics component within the exercise science curriculum. Their strategic approach to competition reflected the program's emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application.

Beyond competition, students contributed technical support for conference operations while faculty members participated in evaluation processes. Both professors also led discussions, showcasing their dual commitment to academic excellence and student mentorship.

All seven student research presentations achieved full acceptance, displayed through professional poster sessions. This perfect record underscores Montreat's dedication to fostering rigorous scientific inquiry among its learners.

Montreat College Research Abstracts Presented at the 2026 SEACSM Conference
Biopsychosocial Variables and Changes in Perceived Stress of Student-Athletes: A Proposal
L. Coffing, J. Walbolt.
The Effect of Squat Depth in Training on Joint Angle Specific Vertical Jump
W. Baggett, T. Murray, A. Leahy, R. York, J. Walbolt.
Does Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Repeated Sprint Ability Effect Soccer Performance While in Fatigue
V. N. Cardoso, R. York, J. Walbolt.
Relative Validity of Generative Artificial Intelligence Versus Weighted Food Record for Quantification of Caloric Intake
H. Smathers, W. Baggett, R. York, J. Walbolt.
Lion’s Mane and Its Effect on Cognitive Function Over Extended Use
D. B. Bennett, M. D. Ellison, J. Connaghan, R. York, J. Walbolt.
Body Weight Support Treadmill for Stability and Cardiovascular Function in Patients Post-Unilateral Knee Arthroplasty
R.A. Thornburg, C. Slack, J. Walbolt.
The Effect of a Medicine Ball Workout on Exit Velocity in Baseball Hitting
J. Cardazzone, C. Auger, C. Abshier, R. York, J. Walbolt