The Western Illinois track and field teams are set to compete at the Meet of Champions in Rock Island on Friday. Initially, the Leathernecks were scheduled to participate in Iowa City on Saturday, but the Musco Twilight Invite was canceled due to bad weather.
The Meet of Champions will commence with multi events at 10 a.m. Field events are slated to start at noon, followed by running events at 3 p.m. The main competitors for the Leathernecks include Northern Iowa, reigning Missouri Valley Conference champions on the men's side, and Loras College, who were the 2022 NCAA DIII Women's Champions. Loras College also secured third place in the 2023 Division III NCAA Indoor Track and Field meet.
"Iowa canceled their home meet on Saturday that we were scheduled to attend. Luckily, Augustana College up the road in Rock Island hosts a home meet," said coach Trey Brokaw. "With a few competitions canceled because of adverse weather this spring, I think it is important for our student-athletes to get this opportunity to compete tomorrow." He added, "The weather still won't be great but that's outdoor track and field in the spring. Regardless of the elements, it's important that we take advantage of the opportunity and compete hard."
Next week, from April 27-29, 2023, the Leathernecks will participate in both the Drake Relays in Des Moines and the Kip Janvrin Open in Indianola.
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