West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University (WIU) men's and women's indoor track and field teams began their season with notable performances at the Purdue Northwest Collegiate Invitational in Chicago. The Leathernecks secured first place in five events, showcasing their competitive edge.

In the 4x400 relay, both the men's and women's teams claimed victory. The men's team completed the race in three minutes, 21.23 seconds, while the women's team finished in 3:51.71. Jaiden Young, Isaac Jones, Malachi Barendilla, and Caleb Ware formed the men's relay team that nearly reached WIU's top-10 all-time indoor relay times. Meanwhile, Nakeita Kessling, Briza Dure, Passion Crews, and Aliyah Adams made history by placing third all-time for WIU women’s indoor records.

Isaac Jones also performed well individually by securing second place in the men’s 800 meters with a time of 1:54.63. He was surpassed only by his teammate Logan Lommel who won with a time of 1:53.61—now ranked as the eighth-fastest in WIU's program history.

On the women’s side, Maleigha Huston took home a title in the women’s 800 meters with a time of 2:18.31. In addition to her success in relays, Kessling triumphed again by winning the women’s 400 meters event clocking at 57.01 seconds; this places her fifth on WIU's all-time list for this category. Crews followed closely behind finishing second with a time of 57.10 seconds which ranks sixth all-time.

Adams and Dure also contributed significant points for their team as individuals; they finished second and fourth respectively in the women’s 200 meters event where Adams’ timing of 25.44 seconds stands eighth-best within WIU records while Dure's timing is noted as eleventh fastest.

The next challenge for Western Illinois will be at Iowa City on Saturday when they participate in Jimmy Grant Alumni Invitational.