West Central Reporter

For four athletes from Western Illinois University, the track and field season continues as they head to the NCAA West Region First Round in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These athletes are among those who ranked in the top 48 of their respective events, earning them a chance to compete further. The top 12 times or marks, along with the best 12 relay teams from both East and West First Rounds, will qualify for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon next week.

Representing WIU are Arnie Grunert, Aliyah Adams, Renee Raglin, and Toriano Tate. Grunert is noted as the top pole vaulter in Western Illinois history with a personal best of 17 feet, 4.5 inches this year, ranking him 20th in the region.

Toriano Tate secured his spot with a long jump seed of 46. His season-best effort of 24-9.25 places him sixth all-time in Leatherneck history.

On the women's side, Renee Raglin recently won an OVC long jump title and ranks second all-time at WIU. Her best leap of 20-5 has her seeded at 37th.

Aliyah Adams will participate in the triple jump after being named OVC's Female Athlete of the Meet last Saturday. She is second all-time in program history for this event with a best distance of 42-06.75, earning her a seed position of 23rd.

The competition schedule begins with Tate on Wednesday at 6 p.m., followed by Grunert's pole vault event at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday night at 6 p.m., Raglin competes in the women's long jump while Adams will compete on Saturday night starting at 6 p.m.

Athletes advancing from this meet will move on to compete at the NCAA National Meet scheduled for June 5-8 in Eugene, Oregon.