McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University track and field teams are preparing to compete at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships in Rochester, New York. Scheduled for March 14-15, the event will see two athletes from each of IWU's men's and women's teams representing the school.

The NCAA and USTFCCCA announced the final list of qualifiers on March 9, featuring senior Carlyssa King, junior Evan Lowder, sophomore Imani Ogunribido, and freshman Nick Walker. All except Walker have previous experience at national competitions.

Lowder earned his place with a record-breaking performance in the men's 400m at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Final Qualifier meet on March 8. His time of 48.04 seconds ranks fifth in Division III this season.

Ogunribido qualified with a jump of 12.28 meters achieved in January, tying for 24th in Division III all-time records. Her jump is among the top five this season.

King secured her spot with a school record throw of 17.62 meters in February at the Keck Select event. This throw places her 18th nationally ahead of the championships.

Walker earned his bid after winning the high jump title at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championships with a clearance of 2.05 meters, ranking him 12th nationally.

The championship schedule begins with Lowder competing in the men's 400m preliminaries on March 14 at 3:05 p.m., followed by King's participation in the women's weight throw at 3:30 p.m. Ogunribido will compete in the women's triple jump on March 15 at 11 a.m., while Walker's high jump event follows at noon. The men's 400m finals are set for later that day.

For further details, visit iwusports.com for a complete schedule of events.