McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University track and field teams commenced their 2024-25 season with notable achievements at the Titan First Chance event held in Bloomington, Illinois. The Titans set two new school records and achieved nine first-place finishes, along with 14 personal-best performances.

Sophomore Imani Ogunribido made a remarkable start by setting a new program record in the women's triple jump with a leap of 12.11 meters. This surpassed the previous record of 12.07 meters, which she had tied last year. Senior Franchesca Smith also performed well, securing third place in the same event.

Junior Evan Lowder broke his own school record in the men's 300m race, finishing with a time of 34.60 seconds. His performance remains the eighth-best time recorded in Division III history.

In men's high jump, sophomore Matt Lindberg led a sweep for IWU, winning the event with a leap of 1.95 meters. Freshmen Nick Walker and Keagan Uphoff secured second and third places respectively.

Senior Alex Harvey excelled in the men's 60m hurdles final, claiming victory with a time of 8.56 seconds. Junior Bobby Mogged finished third in this event.

Juniors Abby Quinn and Adriana Crabtree achieved second and third places respectively in the women's mile run, both posting personal-best times.

Sophomore Alex Reinhart made an impressive debut for IWU by winning the women's 600m race with a time that placed her tenth in school history. Fellow sophomore Peyton Stinger followed closely behind to take second place.

In other events, senior CJ Ladewig earned second place in men's weight throw while senior Carlyssa King also claimed second place in women's weight throw with a significant personal best that moved her up to third on IWU's all-time list.

Freshman Sophia Baczak marked her collegiate debut by finishing third in women's pole vault.

The meet concluded successfully for IWU as they secured first place finishes in both men’s and women’s 4x400m relay races.

The Titans will resume competition after the holiday break when they host the I-55 Invitational on January 18th.