Rob Tarpley Assistant Coach (Sprints and Jumps) | Western Illinois University Leathernecks Website
Rob Tarpley Assistant Coach (Sprints and Jumps) | Western Illinois University Leathernecks Website
The Western Illinois University track and field teams performed well at the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Meet over the weekend. The women's team secured a third-place finish with 114 points, while the men's team tied for fifth place, scoring 55 points.
WIU coach Trey Brokaw expressed his pride in the team's efforts: "What an amazing group of assistant coaches and student-athletes," he said. He also highlighted the significance of relationships formed within the team: "We didn't win today in the team scores but I think we all won by making lifelong relationships."
The women's third-place finish marks their best result since 2006, when they also finished third and scored 180 points. The men's score of 55 points is their highest since achieving 73 points in 2015.
Coach Brokaw praised individual performances, stating, "It's hard to mention anyone specific because we had so many exceptional performances." Notable achievements included Arnie Grunert setting a conference record in the pole vault and Aliyah Adams earning Female Athlete of the Championships. Adams excelled in multiple events, winning the triple jump and placing in others.
Brokaw commended his coaching staff for their contributions: "We have a talented group of assistant coaches. Tom and Alena made a huge impact on Arnie setting that conference record."
Jasmine Stokes led off with a victory in the hammer throw, marking her final collegiate performance with a personal-best toss. Renee Raglin and Aliyah Adams dominated the women's long jump event, securing first and second places respectively.
Arnie Grunert's performance in men's pole vault set a new standard for the Ohio Valley Conference, clearing a height of 17 feet, 2.5 inches. Other notable performances included Logan Lommel's win in the men's 3000 steeplechase and Aylana Cezar's victory in the women's 3000 steeplechase.
As WIU looks forward to potential qualifications for the NCAA West Region meet, Coach Brokaw remains optimistic about the future: "With continued hard work and dedication, the future of Western Illinois track and field is still very bright."
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