McLean County Times

The Illinois State track and field team concluded the first day of the John Coughlan Invite at Horton Field House. The Redbirds had a strong start to their 2024-25 season, securing victories in 13 events, with six wins from the women's team and seven from the men's team.

Junior Lindsey Miller led the charge for Illinois State in the 60m dash, achieving a personal best time of 7.37 seconds to win the event. This performance was part of a sweep where Immaculate Daniel finished second in her debut for Illinois State. Both athletes entered the program's top-10 list with their times.

In the men's 60m dash, sophomore Jaiden Reed led another sweep for Illinois State, finishing with a time of 6.73 seconds, placing him fifth on the program's top-10 list. Freshman Zach Paul followed closely behind with a runner-up finish and a time of 6.79 seconds, also earning him a spot on the top-10 list. Newcomer Jake Welch claimed victory in the men's 600m event with a time of 1:22.42.

The men's team dominated in throwing events as well, with sophomore Cole Stevens winning the weight throw at 17.71 meters (58-01.25) and sophomore Garrett Taylor taking first place in shot put with a throw of 16.99 meters (55-09.25).

Senior Kiley Sanders and junior Rob Pulliam both secured wins in their respective high jump events, adding to Illinois State's successful day by entering into the program's top-10 list with Sanders' jump measuring at 1.74 meters (5-08.50).

Sophomore Ava Lawless and freshman Victor Byaundaombe won their respective triple jump events, with Lawless achieving one of the highest marks ever recorded by an Illinois State athlete at 12.34 meters (40-06.00).

Senior Windsor Roberts set a new record at Horton Field House by winning the women's pole vault event with a vault height of 3.90 meters (12-09.50).

The John Coughlan Invite will continue on Saturday, December 7th starting at 9:30 am at Horton Field House.