McRoberts Paces Redbird Trio at USATF Junior Championships

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Illinois State track and field freshman Anthony McRoberts' two top-eight finishes highlighted the performances of the three current Redbird student-athletes who competed at the USATF Junior Championships this past weekend.

McRoberts started his weekend off on a high note during Friday's high jump competition, finishing third with a jump of 2.10m (6-10.75). By placing third, McRoberts becomes a member of Team USA as an alternate in the event. His success then continued into Saturday, where he qualified for finals in the triple jump. McRoberts' jump of 14.64m (48-00.50) was good enough for seventh place and his second top-eight finish of the meet. 

"I think Anthony competed extremely well," said Illinois State assistant coach LaMar Garrett. "He saw some of the best competition in the country, and he did what he needed to do. It is a huge honor to be an alternate for Team USA, and this sets him up well for the future."

In addition to McRoberts, freshmen Jordyn Bruce and Sydney Laufenberg also had strong performances for the Redbirds. Bruce, who competed in the 400-meter hurdles on Friday, recorded a time of 1:02.99. Laufenberg made her mark in the throwing circle on Thursday, registering a mark of 45.61m (149-7.00) in the discus. 

"Sydney and Jordan competed well against some big time competition," Garrett continued. "This puts them both in a great position to achieve continued success in the future."

Two former Redbird throwing standouts, Brittany Smith and Curt Jensen, were also in action this past weekend at the USATF Championships. Smith and Jensen both competed in the shot put, an event in which they still hold the indoor and outdoor records at Illinois State.

Smith found success amongst an extremely competitive field, qualifying for finals and placing seventh with a throw of 17.59m (57-8.50). Jensen finished the weekend with a final distance of 19.13m (62-9.25).

Garrett explained that having two former athletes compete on such a stage speaks volumes about the Redbird Track and Field program. 

"It shows that here at Illinois State we are about achieving high performances and developing athletes to compete at a high level," Garrett said. "Brittany and Curt have a tremendous work ethic. They continue to represent themselves and Illinois State very well as they continue their success." 

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