Redbird Track and Field Kicks Off 2016-17 Season at EIU

MEET SCHEDULE  | LIVE RESULTS

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State men's and women's track and field teams open the 2016-17 indoor season at the EIU Early Bird on Dec. 9 at the Lantz Fieldhouse in Charleston, Illinois. The meet is set to start at 2 p.m. with field events, followed by track events at 4 p.m.

The ISU women's team look to defend their Missouri Valley Conference Champions, while the men look in the top-three as they finished fourth last season.

On the Track

Jalen Lewis and Dion Hooker are top ISU sprinters that will be leading the way for the Redbirds on Friday. Lewis personal best 200-meter dash is a time of 22.35, while Hooker's personal best 100-meter dash is a time at 10.75.

Newcomer Derrius Rodgers will begin his freshman campaign at the EIU Early Bird. Derrius won the 60-meter dash at the Prep Top Times in 6.84. He will add considerable depth to the ISU short sprints crew among many other talented men.

On the women's side, Emily Cowan return to the track for the 2016-17 season. Cowan's personal best 200-meter dash is a time of 24.19. She will lead a talented group of young sprinters this weekend.  Joining her will be Rayanne Wright.

Wright will look to pace the mid-distance runners. Her personal-best 800-meter run is a time of 2:10.65, which ranks in the top-10 at ISU.

In the Field

All-MVC First Team selection, Francis Ehigbai will look to establish himself near the top of the leaders' board this weekend. 

For the women, Amanda McClain, the defending indoor and outdoor MVC Champion in the women's long jump will look to make an impact for the Redbirds at the EIU Early Bird. She is also a standout on the track in the 400-meter dash and contributes to the 4x400-meter relay teams. McClain's 400-meter dash time ranks in the top-10 at ISU.  

Tessa Holland returns for the 2016-17 season. She finished third in the high jump at the 2016 Indoor MVC Championships, and hold the sixth highest mark at ISU with a height of 05-8.25.

Morgan Keller and Brandy Thomas are two of the top-returning throwers this season for ISU. They look to establish themselves at the top of the leaders' boards this weekend.

Fans can go to GoRedbirds.com for full coverage following the conclusion of the meet.

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