The Illinois College women’s track and field team won two individual championships on May 8 during the first day of the Midwest Conference Outdoor Championships at Ash Park in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
This event is significant as it highlights the achievements of student-athletes competing at a high level within their conference. The team currently stands in third place with 34 points, following Grinnell with 45 points and Ripon with 35.
Keyleigh Thomas claimed victory in the javelin throw with a distance of 41.46 meters, while Deja Anderson secured first place in the long jump by leaping 5.49 meters. Elaina Manuel finished fourth in the javelin (33.34 meters), and Fynesse Jones placed fourth in the long jump (5.10 meters).
In preliminary running events, Illinois College will hold the top three seeds for both the upcoming 100- and 200-meter finals: Haley Garrett, Anderson, and McKenzie Murray lead in the 100-meter; Garrett, Murray, and Jones are top-seeded for the 200-meter final. Aleese Trimingham posted leading times in both hurdle events (100- and 400-meters), while Kami Rhoades recorded the third fastest time for the open 400 meters.
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 competes as part of NCAA Division III within the Midwest Conference according to its official website.
The Midwest Conference Championships are scheduled to conclude tomorrow.
