NORMAL, Ill. - Kicking off their outdoor season, the Illinois State track & field squad completed the two-day Eastern Illinois University Big Blue Meet on Saturday, as multiple Redbirds had strong performances to begin the season.
Brittney Oakley and Atleigh Hamilton went 1-2 in women's long jump. Placing first with a recorded outdoor personal-best jump, Oakley marked a 5.52m (18-1.50 ft.). Hamilton jumped 5.35m (17-6.75 ft.) placing second.
In the discus throw, Macy Byer secured first place with a mark of 52.29m. The first-place mark moves Byer up to number five all-time in Illinois State program history.
Junior, Zofia LeHaw recorded a personal-best in javelin throw, marking a 47.93m to capture first place.
The women's high jump had a very successful day. Carly Tucker placed first after clearing 1.70m, right behind her was Ella Vacek, jumping a personal-best of 1.65m. Kenzie Klink was the third Redbird to place in high jump, taking third place jumping 1.60m.
Speed also showed up for Illinois State today as Bri Buggs placed first in the 200m dash clocking 24.74.
OTHER PLACE FINISHES
-
Charles Cruze – pole vault, second place
-
Joe Boyer – discus throw, second place
-
Lauren Schulze – 800m, second place
-
Amni Austin – pole vault, second place
-
Madison Saunders – 100m, third place
-
Kayla Perry – 400m, third place
-
Julian Head – 800m, third place
-
Cade Ward – 400m, fourth place
-
Isabelle Hemmen – pole vault, fourth place
-
Darcis Bitangalo- long jump, fourth place
-
Vivana Sanfilippo – 1500, fourth place
QUOTES
Here is a quote from Assistant Coach, Mike Bartolina:
"This was a great opportunity for some of our young athletes to get experience, but we still had some elite performances from Macy Byer in discus, Zofia LeHew javelin, and Carly Tucker in high jump."
UP NEXT
Following the action at EIU, the Redbirds will compete at home March 31- April 1, for the Redbird Challenge.
To keep up with the latest news on Redbird track & field and cross country, follow us on Facebook at @Illinois State Track & Field/Cross Country, Twitter at @RedbirdTFXC, and Instagram at @redbirdtfxc.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
