West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's track and field teams made significant strides at the SIUE Cougar Classic in Edwardsville. Both men's and women's teams delivered noteworthy performances, breaking records and achieving qualifying marks for NCAA Regional competitions.

Coach Trey Brokaw expressed satisfaction with the team's efforts, stating, "We had a great team effort today down in Edwardsville. Every event group had impressive performances and that's encouraging because we're still in a period of heavy training."

Among the highlights was the women's 4x100 relay team, consisting of Savannah Harvey, Aliyah Adams, Briza Dure, and Renee Raglin. They set a new program record with a time of 46.58 seconds, surpassing a record held since 1987.

Individually, Renee Raglin won the long jump with a distance of 6.22 meters. Aliyah Adams claimed victory in the triple jump at 12.7 meters and placed second in the long jump with 6.01 meters. Coach Brokaw noted Adams' progress: "Aliyah had another big day... It's really impressive how well she has done so far."

Harvey also triumphed in the 100 meters race with a time of 12.39 seconds.

In men's events, Arnie Grunert set a new school record in pole vault by clearing 16 feet, 7.25 inches.

Additional podium finishes included Malachi Barendilla's third place in the men's 100 meters (10.87), Maleigha Huston winning the women's 1500 meters (4:34.9), and Sophia Myers securing victories in both the women's 400 hurdles (1:05.78) and 100 hurdles.

The Leathernecks will compete next at the Musco Twilight meet in Iowa City.