The Leatherneck track and field team opened the season this past Saturday at the John Coughlan Invite in Normal, IL. Highlights of the meet include five top-10 marks in school history along with event wins in the men's 1k and women's 4x400 meter relay.

Nakeita Kessling led the women's team placing second in the women's long jump with a 5.74 meter jump (18 feet 10 inches), tying for fifth on the all-time list. Paulina Lucer and Emma Ponx also soared into the record books in the women's pole vault. Both athletes tied for 6th in school history jumping 3.45 meters (11 feet 3.75 inches). The women's 4x400 meter closed out the day by winning the relay event overall from the slower section. Athletes on the relay included Zwandi Harrison, Briza Dure, Aliyah Adams, and Nakeita Kessling.

Logan Lommel brought his cross country strength to the track by winning the men's 1000 meter run over teammate, Richard Brown, who placed second. Brown joined Lommel on the All-Time list running the 8th fastest 1000 meter in school history.

"There was a night and day difference when comparing the opening competition this year to last year. I am so proud of how well the staff did to prepare the student-athletes and it was refreshing to see Leathernecks in nearly every event. Many events we had winners or we were in position to win at least. That's what we strive for," coach Trey Brokaw said. "Now that we've had this opening competition, I'm excited to see how the team does this next weekend at Iowa."

Next:

Western Illinois heads to Iowa City for the Jimmy Grant Invite on December 10, 2022.