After breaking her own Illinois State indoor shot put record, Redbird senior Latisha Johnson joined JaRod Tobler of the Redbird mens squad as this weeks Missouri Valley Conference Track and Field Athletes of the Week.
Johnson, a senior from Jacksonville, Ill., broke her own school record in the indoor shot put during the Redbird Open at Horton Field House. Her mark of 50-02 1/2 broke the old mark of 48-8 3/4, which Johnson set a sophomore just two seasons ago. The mark also set a new Missouri Valley Conference record, which was previously held by Indiana States Jenny Folz who set the record in 1999 with a throw of 50-1 3/4. Johnson finished second in the event.
Redbird coach Elvis Forde is thrilled about Johnsons potential to finish a great Illinois State career at her best and saluted the work of throws coach Brent Chumbley as well.
Coach Chumbley has really pushed his athletes this year and Latisha is responding to that, said Forde. She has really put together the mechanics of her throws, and I think that will lead to success for her throughout her senior year.
Tobler, a senior telcommunications management major, placed first in both the long jump and triple jump at the Redbird Open with marks of 23-10 3/4 and 50-06 respectively. Tobler also placed second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.82.
Forde appreciates the higher level of confidence Tobler is showing in his four events.
JaRod is finally starting to believe in his own ability and to have the confidence to perform at a high level in all aspects of the long jump, triple jump, 100 and 200, said Forde. With that level of confidence, I believe the sky is the limit for him.
The Redbirds next meet is at the Jan. 17 Illinois Open in Champaign.
