NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State track & field team is set to open its 2024-25 season with the John Coughlan Invite at Horton Fieldhouse on Friday, Dec. 6 at 11:30 a.m. CT. With action wrapping up, beginning on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9:30 am CT.
The John Coughlan Invite was named after legendary Redbird Track & Field head coach John Coughlan. Coughlan served as head coach for 23 years and during his tenure Illinois secured 18 Missouri Valley Conference team titles. Following his career he earned spots in the MVC Hall of Fame and Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame.Â
For the third consecutive year, Illinois State will be hosting The John Coughlan Invite. The Redbirds will host the men's and women's squads from Eastern Illinois and Valparaiso.
The Redbirds will look to start the new campaign off strong following its selection in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The women's team was selected in third place earning 123 points, while the men's squad was selected in second place receiving 85 points.
The complete poll for both squads is listed below.
FULL POLL (WOMEN'S)
- Indiana State (10) -Â 140
- Murray State (2) - 128
- Illinois State - 123
- Belmont - 97
- Bradley - 94
- UNI - 84
- Southern Illinois - 81
- Drake - 62Â
- Missouri State - 54
- UIC - 27
- Valparaiso - 26
- Evansville - 20
FULL POLL (MEN'S)
- Indiana State (9) - 99
- Illinois State - 85
- Northern Iowa (1) - 84
- Southern Illinois - 59
- Bradley - 56
- Drake - 55
- Belmont - 50
- Valparaiso - 28
- UIC -Â 24
- Evansville - 10
