RESULTS | PHOTO GALLERY
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The women's 4x400-meter relay ended the two-day Meyo Invitational on a high note, as the foursome—Ally Christiani (55.6), Rayanne Wright (57.0), Amanda McClain (53.1) and Ashleigh Wilson (53.9)—eclipsed the school record with a time at 3:41.14.
The Redbirds finished fifth overall in the women's 4x400, which is leading the Missouri Valley and is currently the 27th fastest time in the nation. The previous school record was 3:42.05 that was captured at the 2016 Missouri Valley Conference Championships with Christiani, McClain, Wilson and Sarah Mussallem.
"The highlight of the weekend would have to be the women's 4x400-meter relay," Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Jeff Bovee said. "They ran just phenomenal and put together four great splits. They competed and only lost their sections by just a half-a-step to a strong Western Michigan team. Nonetheless, they put up the best time in school record and the 400-meter group is really starting to come together. It was just a great way to end the day."
Earlier in the day, Wilson posted a spectacular season-debut in the 800-meter run as she captured her personal best with a time at 2:13.30. She won her heat and had the sixth fastest time overall. Wilson's time is ranked eighth in the Missouri Valley.
Christiani also had a stellar day, as she ran an indoor PR in the women's 400-meter at a time of 56.21. Whitney Ward also captured a personal-best time in the 400 at 58.03.
The distance crew had another showcase day capturing personal-best performances. Grace Beattie started the second day off strong in the women's 3,000-meter run, as she ran a time at 9:56.69. Beattie finished seventh in her section and had the 13th fastest time overall. Her time is also ranked fifth on the Missouri Valley Conference performance list.
Kyle Mattes also posted a solid performance in the men's 3K with a time at 8:24.74 and placed 12th overall.
Freshman Phoebe Clowser had a tremendous showing in the women's mile, as she ran a time of 4:57.64. Her time is ranked sixth on the Missouri Valley Performance list.
Jack Anstey had similar success in the men's mile as he posted his personal-best time at 4:07.62, and had the sixth fastest time overall. His mile time is ranked tenth on the ISU's all-time best list and second in the Missouri Valley.
In the field, Morgan Keller had a strong day in the women's shot, as she finished ninth with a mark at 14.88m (48-10.00).
"In general, I think the women had a really strong day today," Bovee said. "I think Morgan (Keller) had a strong day in the shot put, and bounced back from her last time out. She is heading in the right direction. I really pleased with the middle distance events. We had a lot of all-time best and seasonal best. A couple of our freshman really stood out today. Grace Beattie and Phoebe Clowser ran some special performances. They are really starting to learn how to race and compete in their young careers."
Illinois State will split next weekend as most student-athletes compete at the GVSU Big Meet in Allendale, Michigan, and some will travel west to Ames, Iowa, to compete in the Iowa State Classic.
OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Men's High Jump
9. Derek Wegman— 2.03m (6-08.00)
Men's Triple Jump
12. Anthony McRoberts— 14.48m (47-06.25)
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