The Arkansas State Red Wolves track and field team performed admirably in the Fighting Illini Challenge in Champaign, Illinois. Two A-State athletes won their respective events in a meet largely dominated by the Illinois Fighting Illini, who were the host team.

The events at the meet were mostly dominated by Illinois, with the Illini winning 10 of the men’s events and seven of the women’s events, and Illini athletes made the podium in almost every event.

Sophomore sprinter Camren Bailey posted a 6.81 time in his victory in the men’s 60 meter sprint. The time was a season best for Bailey. Hurdler Will Glass got fifth in the 60 meter finals, with a time of 7.74.

Sophomore jumper Kiara Strayhorn won the women’s high jump, jumping a mark of 1.65 meters, five inches higher than that of Eastern Illinois jumper Angela Dobbins.

In the field events, senior thrower Willem Coertzen placed second in the men’s shot put, hurling the shot 18.34 meters. Sophomore thrower Menachem Chen placed fourth with a distance of 17.56 meters, and sophomore thrower Chris Boyd placed fifth with a distance of 17.19 meters.

Senior thrower Michelle Ogbemudia got the runner-up spot in women’s shot put with a throw of 13.88 meters. Sophomore thrower Liya Guy placed seventh, chucking the shot 11.59 meters.

Freshman Jumper Me’Kiyah Earnest got second in the women’s triple jump, and graduate pole vaulter Bradley Jelmert placed second in the men’s pole vault.

The Red Wolves will travel to two meets up next, traveling to the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky. The other meet will be at Texas Tech in the Stan Scott Invitational in Lubbock, Texas.

Categories: Sports