McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's track and field teams are preparing for crucial qualifier meets at Wartburg College and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The events on March 8 aim to secure spots in the NCAA Division III Track and Field National Championships, set for March 14-15 in Rochester, N.Y.

Following a successful showing at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championship from February 28 to March 1, where they claimed six individual titles and achieved 34 All-CCIW finishes, the Titans are looking to capitalize on their momentum. The men's team finished second with a record point total of 118, while the women secured third place with 77 points.

Two athletes will represent Illinois Wesleyan at Wartburg's meet: senior Ernie Waterson will compete in the men's mile, and junior Adriana Crabtree will run in the women's mile. Both achieved runner-up positions in these events during last weekend's conference championships. Their races are scheduled for 2:20 p.m. (women) and 2:40 p.m. (men) in Waverly, Iowa.

In La Crosse, Wis., junior Evan Lowder and Reece Dusek will participate in both the 200m and 400m races. Sophomore Matt Lindberg and freshman Nick Walker will compete in the men's high jump event. These competitions start at 1 p.m.

Lowder recently won the men's 400m at the conference championships with a time of under 50 seconds (48.88), also contributing to a victory in the 4-by-400m relay alongside Dusek, Walker, and senior Alex Harvey. Walker claimed first place in the high jump with personal-best performances, finishing ahead of Lindberg who took second place. Additionally, Walker earned All-CCIW honors for long jump performance while Dusek was recognized for his achievements in both the 400m and 200m races.

Currently, six Illinois Wesleyan student-athletes rank among Division III's top-25 individuals across various events: Lowder is ranked 24th in the men's 400m; Walker holds an impressive position at number eleven for high jump; Lindberg ranks twentieth; sophomore Imani Ogunribido stands fifth in women's triple jump; senior Carlyssa King ranks sixteenth for women's weight throw; sophomore Ethan Godsey is twenty-fifth within men’s triple jump category.

To qualify for nationals under NCAA rules requires being among top-twenty declared competitors per individual discipline or top-twelve relay teams after final declarations close by Sunday—March ninth—when official qualifiers lists become publicized via NCAA & USTFCCCA channels respectively.

Fans can follow along through live streaming services available via links provided on IWU sports website schedules page dedicated specifically towards tracking results updates related directly toward this significant sporting occasion happening soon!