Leah Thames set a new school record in the 400 meters for Southern Illinois on May 2 at the Jim Green Invitational in Kentucky, becoming the first woman in program history to finish the event in under 53 seconds. Thames won with a time of 52.46 seconds, leading a series of strong performances by Saluki athletes during their last regular-season meet ahead of the Missouri Valley Conference Championships.
The results highlight key achievements across both track and field events. Layla Watson placed fifth in the 400 meters with a personal best of 54.37 seconds. In the women’s 800 meters, Kyla Engel and Eislee Moore posted personal records, while Savanna Franzen won her heat with her season-best time. Field events saw Mali Thornton achieve a personal best in discus at 42.37 meters and Na’Kyrah Cooks place fifth in triple jump.
The men’s team also delivered notable results, including Ben Chance and Calen George setting new personal records in the men’s 5,000 meters with times of 14:42 and 14:44 respectively. The men’s relay team finished third in their event.
Director Richard Jones said, “The last meet of the season has prepared the team for the championship,” adding, “This was a great dress rehearsal, and I’m pleased with most of the results. We will spend time getting healthy and sharpening the knife.” The Salukis compete at NCAA Division I level as part of the Missouri Valley Conference according to their official website.
Southern Illinois uses Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex as its main venue according to their official website. The program operates from Carbondale, Illinois according to their official website.
Looking ahead, Southern Illinois will participate next at the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championship scheduled for May 16-17 at Gibson Track & Field Complex.
