McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University track and field teams had a successful showing at the Big Blue Alumni Invite hosted by Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Seven Titans secured event wins, while three throwers achieved personal bests on the first day of the Redbird Challenge at Illinois State University.

Junior Alex Harvey excelled at the Big Blue Alumni Invite with a victory in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking a personal-best time of 55.49 seconds. He also placed third in the 110-meter hurdles and second in the 4x400-meter relay with teammates Reece Dusek, Joe Freedman, and Seth Hamerski. Hamerski additionally earned third place in the 1500-meter run.

Sophomore Zach Marquardt completed the men's 3000-meter steeplechase as the only competitor, recording a time close to his personal best. Jahari Scott finished second in the men's 100-meter dash.

On the women's side, junior Emma McGrath won her first collegiate event in the 1,500-meter run. Senior Avery Smith claimed victory in the 100-meter dash. Amanda Wilson dominated the 5,000-meter run with a personal-best time of 19:02.38. Jordynn Griffin secured wins in both the 200-meter dash and as part of a victorious relay team alongside Bella Gonzalez, Jules Grunloh, and Peyton Stinger.

In other performances, Stinger was runner-up in the women's 800-meter dash while Tori Burke took second place in the women's 200-meter dash.

At ISU's Redbird Challenge, Titan throwers Carlyssa King and CJ Ladewig ranked among Division III's top performers with their hammer throw distances placing them fifth all-time for IWU.

The Titan squad will continue competing at ISU on Saturday as field events begin at 10 a.m., followed by track events at 11:55 a.m.