Redbirds Face Indiana State in Dual Meet on Friday

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NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State track and field teams will compete against Indiana State for the 13th Coughlan/Malloy Cup at the Terre Haute Double Dual Jan.13 at Terre Haute, Indiana.

The Terre Haute Double Dual will be hosted by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and will feature a NCAA Davison III matchup between Rose-Hulman and Manchester University. Illinois State will be facing Missouri Valley Conference foe, Indiana State. Indiana State is 11-1 in the series that began in 2005. The Redbirds only victory came in 2006 when they defeated the Sycamores 147-143. This marks Jeff Bovee, Director of Track and Field/Cross Country third year as head coach.

"We are excited to compete with a full squad this week in our annual dual with Indiana State," Bovee said. "The Sycamores always start the season strong and we expect the same from them this year. Our team is as well-rounded as it's been in many years and that should help us in a dual meet format now that we can effectively score in all of the events on the track and in the field. Our success this week will depend highly on how our veteran student-athletes lead our younger ones in this meet which has a lot of intensity."

ISU last competed at EIU Early Bird on Dec. 9, 2016, which there were many individuals' winners on both the men's and women's side.

For the men, there were strong career-debuts from freshman Derrius Rodgers, Jaylan McConico and Anthony McRoberts. Rodger won both the 60-meter dash (6.77) and the 200 meter (22.04), and both times are currently leading the Valley. His 60-meter time is also tied for ninth on the NCAA National rankings.

McConico finished second in the 60-meter hurdles (8.01), which is ranked second in the Missouri Valley Conference and ranked second on the ISU's all-time best list.

McRoberts was named the MVC Male Field Athlete of the Week after his stellar performance in the men's high jump as he finished in first place with a cleared height of 2.08m (06-09.75).

Veteran leader, Jalen Lewis led the men in the 400-meter dash where he won with a time of 50.21. He also anchored the 4x400-meter relay with Justin Agustin, David Curnock and Kyle Hatton who finished first at a time of 3:23.65.

On the women's side, Amanda McClain had a stellar day at the EIU Early Bird, as she won the women's 400-meter dash by a landslide, beating the meet record with a time of 56.45, and winning by over two seconds. She also won the women's long jump with a mark of 5.64m (18-06.00). McClain was named MVC Female Track Athlete of the Week (Dec. 13) and her 400-meter dash is currently leading the Valley.

In the field, veteran leader, Morgan Keller had a strong season-debut in the shot put as she won the event with a toss at 15.14m (49-08.25), which is leading the Missouri Valley Conference.

The Redbirds will be wearing a blue ribbon in honor of John McNichols, Indiana State cross country and track & field program coordinator, who passed away Dec. 21, 2016 due to complications from a stroke.

"Coach McNichols was a phenomenal coach and person that has left a lasting legacy in our sport of track and field," Bovee said. "He was a wonderful mentor and friend to myself and many others and it is difficult to think about competing in this meet against Indiana State without John. Knowing coach, I know that he would want nothing more than for these two teams to compete hard and to take this opportunity to showcase the talent that is present within the Missouri Valley Conference."    

The meet begins with field events set to start at 5 p.m. CT, following the track events at 5:15 p.m. CT Follow the action of the Terre Haute Double Dual on Twitter @Redbird_TrackXC, or go to GoRedbirds.com for full coverage following the conclusion of the meet.

Meet History

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