The Illinois State Redbirds made a strong start at the 2024 Missouri Valley Championships, with several athletes achieving personal and season-best performances at the Gibson Track & Field Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. Seven student-athletes advanced to the finals, marking a successful day for the team.
In men's events, freshman Ryan Schaefer secured second place in the decathlon with 3,645 points. Junior Cade Ward followed in seventh place with 3,326 points. Seniors Amiri Buchanan and Josh Schmid contributed points in the hammer throw, finishing fourth and eighth respectively. Schmid also achieved a season-best in javelin and Ward reached a personal best in pole vault.
On the track, senior Jaden Johnson moved to the finals of the 400m hurdles with a season-best time. Sophomore Enyinnaya Nwagwu advanced in the 200m dash, while sophomore Yusuf Baig progressed in the 1,500m run. Graduate student Nick Doud set a personal best in the 10,000m run.
For women's events, sophomore Lindsey Miller won her heat in the 200m dash with a personal best. Teammates Nnenna Okpara and Hassy Fashina-Bombata also advanced to finals. Freshman Cambria Geyer reached finals in the 400m hurdles with a personal best time. Juniors Mattison Plummer and Viviana Sanfilippo moved forward in the 1500m.
In heptathlon standings, sophomore Gracie Jessup led Illinois State by securing ninth place. Senior Morgan Wrublik scored points by placing fifth in hammer throw.
The championships will continue on Saturday with further events including decathlon and heptathlon completions as well as field events and track preliminaries.
Illinois State fans can find more information on GoRedbirds.com or through their app for tickets and updates.
Alerts Sign-up