NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State track & field programs are set to travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the Lenny Lyles Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 29. The action from Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. CT with field events. Track events will begin at 1:00 p.m. CT.
LAST TIME IN THE 'VILLE
Illinois State last competed at Louisville in the 2021 outdoor campaign. At the Clark Wood Open, the 'Birds swept victories in both the men's and women's 4x400m relay races.
Then a freshman, Mye'Joi Williams also won the women's shot put with a throw of 16.36m (53-8.25 ft.). With that throw, Williams moved up to No. 4 all-time in school history.
ILLINI INVITE
The Redbirds are fresh off competition at the Illini Invitational, where both the Illinois State men and women captured team titles at the meet.
To highlight the day, sophomore Ariel Atias broke the Illinois State school record in the indoor event, totaling a personal best of 5,285 points in just his first heptathlon as a Redbird. Not only did Atias set a personal best in total points, he also did so in three of the events – the 60m hurdles (8.74), pole vault (4.60m) and 60m dash (7.34). Atias, who placed second overall, currently ranks No. 15 in the nation and No. 2 in the Valley.
Fifth-year senior Kameesha Smith put the nation on notice as she cleared 1.80m (5-10.75 ft.) in the women's high jump at the Illini Invitational. The clearance was Smith's best mark since she set the Illinois State school record in the event at the 2021 MVC Indoor Championships with a jump of 1.83m (6-0 ft.). Smith, who qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships last season, now sits at No. 15 in the NCAA and No. 1 in the MVC.
For her performance in the high jump, Smith was tabbed as the MVC Female Field Athlete of the Week for the first time this season. Smith has earned Field Athlete of the Week honors six times throughout her Redbird career, two of which came during the 2021 indoor season.
In addition to Smith, other event winners included Ryan Ashenbremer (pole vault), Cameron Getz (high jump), Brandon Gage (200m dash), Edward Watkins (400m dash), Charles Murphy (800m run) and Arianna Walker (400m dash).
MEET INFORMATION
For those who can't attend the Lenny Lyles Invitational, follow along on Twitter at @RedbirdTFXC for updates. Live results will also be available here.
UP NEXT
Following the Lenny Lyles Invitational, the Redbirds will be back in action at the Meyo Invite, hosted by Notre Dame, on Feb. 4-5. Additionally, a smaller squad will remain in Bloomington to compete in the Keck Select, hosted by Illinois Wesleyan, on Feb. 5.
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