The Illinois College women’s track and field team crowned four individual champions at the Thursday Twilight Special held at April Zorn Memorial Stadium in Monmouth, according to an announcement on Apr. 23.
This achievement highlights the team’s performance in both field and track events, as student-athletes continue to pursue competitive excellence during the season.
Three of Illinois College’s four event winners came from the field competitions. Riley Gardner secured victory in the high jump with a season-best clearance of 1.66 meters, which ranks as the 13th-best mark nationally so far this year. Deja Anderson won the long jump with a leap of 5.62 meters, while Deniyah Lockman took first place in the triple jump with a distance of 10.67 meters.
Anderson was joined by Parker Wooderson, who finished second in the long jump (5.38 meters), and Lockman placed fourth (4.98 meters). Keyleigh Thomas earned second place in javelin with a throw of 40.21 meters, which is currently ranked as the nation’s 28th-best mark. In hammer throw, Kevlynn DeJaynes (45.12 meters) and Natalie Hasting (44.64 meters) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
On the track, Samantha Costello won the women’s 1,500-meter race with a time of 5:44.46; Morgan Carrino followed closely behind for second place at 6:16.38. Caroline Peters took second place in the 800-meter run (2:27.39). Jasiah Singleton finished fourth in the women’s 400-meter dash (1:04.82), while Macie Lierly also claimed fourth place in the women’s 100-meter sprint (13.05 seconds).
Illinois College Lady Blues Track and Field aims to deliver student-athletes opportunities for competition, growth, and scholarly achievement, according to the official website. The program functions within NCAA Division III and competes as part of the Midwest Conference according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Illinois College will send competitors to participate in this year’s annual Drake Relays scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
