McLean County Times

After a weekend of intense competition at the NCAA Division III Outdoor National Championships, Illinois Wesleyan University's track and field teams have achieved notable recognition. Three athletes from the university were named to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's list of All-Americans.

Sophomore Evan Lowder from Bloomington, Illinois, and freshman Imani Ogunribido from Hanover Park, Illinois, received First Team honors. Junior Carlyssa King from Decatur, Illinois, was awarded Second Team accolades.

Athletes who finished in the top eight of their individual events or as part of a relay team at the championships earned First Team All-America honors. Those finishing ninth through 16th individually or ninth through 12th in a relay team were named to the Second Team.

Lowder entered nationals ranked 13th nationally and advanced to the 400-meter finals with the seventh-fastest time (47.44) in preliminaries. He finished fourth in the final with a time of 47.25 seconds, marking his first podium finish at nationals. Earlier this year, Lowder earned Second Team honors in indoor 400m and was recognized as a Midwest All-Region selection in multiple events.

Ogunribido achieved a personal best in the women's triple jump with a leap of 12.36 meters, finishing sixth overall. She was one of two freshmen to reach the podium in this event at this year's championships. Previously, she received Second Team accolades for indoor triple jump and was named a Midwest All-Region honoree outdoors.

King debuted at the national championships by finishing 16th in hammer throw with a toss of 49.88 meters. An All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection, King has improved her performance significantly over one season.

The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin collectively earned 41 All-American honors across men's and women's programs.