NORMAL, Ill. – In their season debuts Friday at the EIU Early Bird meet, sophomores D'Jenne Egharevba and Jaylan McConico etched their names in the ISU track & field record book. Egharevba broke the 60m dash record, while McConico shattered the 60m hurdles record.
"To have D'Jenne and Jaylan each break a school record this early on is phenomenal," said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Bovee. "We are off to a very fast start, and I couldn't be happier with how the entire team competed today."
Egharevba, who won the 60m dash, posted a time of 7.39, surpassing the previous record of 7.41Â that was set by Devon Williams in 2008. Her time marks a new EIU Early Bird Meet record as well. McConico, who placed first in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.90, breaks Kendric Smith's previous record of 7.98 that has stood since 2012.
In addition to these stellar performances, Demetria Anderson and Mya Robinson had strong outings as well. Competing in the 60m hurdles, the pair finished second and fifth, respectively. Robinson recorded the ninth-fastest time in ISU history in her very first race as a Redbird, notching a time of 8.92 in prelims.
In the field, sophomore Ariana Cranston capitalized in the pole vault, clearing a height of 3.67m (12-00.50) to win the event. In addition to capturing a new personal-best, Cranston now ranks fourth on ISU's top-10 list.
On the men's side, Luke Nelson and Derrius Rodgers started the season on a high note. Nelson won the pole vault, clearing 4.88m (16-00.00). Not only does this mark a new personal-record, but the height ranks sixth in ISU history. Rodgers ran a 6.66Â in prelims of the 60m dash, which is the second-fastest time in the nation so far this season.
The ISU men also claimed three of the top four spots in the men's high jump. Freshman LaMont Allen won the event, clearing 2.08m (6-09.75). Anthony McRoberts also jumped 2.08m (6-09.75), placing third, while Derek Wegman finished fourth.
Other Notable Performances
Victoria Gruszka and Charde Golliday - The pair finished first and second, respectively, in the triple jump. Gruzska recorded a distance of 11.67m (38-03.50), with Golliday finishing closely behind at 11.66m (38-03.25).
Amanda McClain - McClain won the long jump with a distance of 5.95m (19-06.25).
Anderson Devonish - Devonish finished second in the 60m with a time of 6.84, capturing the ninth spot on ISU's top-10 list.
Andy Hatch - Hatch won the 200m dash with a new personal-record of 22.55, also posting a personal-best in the 60m (7.14).
Davon Haynes - Haynes won the long jump with a distance of 7.03m (23-00.75) in his first meet in an ISU uniform.
Anthony McRoberts - In addition to finishing third in the high jump, McRoberts won the triple jump with a leap of 14.35m (47-01.00).
The Illinois State track & field teams will be back in action on January 12, 2018 when they travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, to compete in the Double Dual Meet.
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