The Western Illinois University Leathernecks track and field teams achieved several victories and top finishes at the Big Blue Classic, held at Eastern Illinois, according to a March 29 announcement by Nick Gordon of Leatherneck Athletic Communications.
The event showcased strong performances from both the women’s and men’s squads. Notable results included Janelle Marshall’s fifth place in the 400-meter hurdles, Mya Hippolyte’s third place in the 200 meters, and Rayvon Wright’s runner-up finish in the triple jump. Dana Surwillo claimed first place in the pole vault with a clearance of 3.71 meters, while Lily Patterson won the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase.
These achievements reflect continued growth for Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Track & Field, which participates in NCAA Division I competitions as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference according to the official website. The team operates from Macomb, Illinois according to its official website.
Western Illinois University’s program has promoted women’s athletics since the early 1900s and continues to foster competitiveness among student-athletes according to its official website. In recognition of academic excellence, Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Track & Field received All-Academic Team honors from USTFCCCA for student-athletes’ scholastic achievements in 2025 as reported by its official website.
The team is part of Western Illinois University’s broader athletics program according to its official website, maintaining a full roster for the current season that includes both freshmen and upperclassmen athletes as stated on their site.
Looking ahead, Western Illinois will compete next at Indiana State’s Pacesetter Sports Invitational as it seeks to build on recent successes.
