The Leathernecks competed at the Cougar Classic in Edwardsville Illinois to open up their season with the entire team on Saturday. After a two hour rain delay, Western Illinois walked away from the meet with 11 event wins and six top 10 all-time marks.

"Our team looked strong this weekend against some solid programs around the region. The weather didn't fully cooperate but the team competed very well despite the adversity," coach Trey Brokaw said. "We had many student-athletes land on the top-10 all-time lists and we had many event winners."

Top 10 All-Time Marks:

Olin Ortiz - 3,000 (8:51.28) 8th all-time

Alessandro Belluz - High Jump (2.06 / 6-09.00) 10th all-time 

Aliyah Adams - Long Jump (5.97 / 19-07.00) 5th all-time

Aliyah Adams - Triple Jump (11.87 / 38-11.50) 6th all-time

Nakeita Kessling - Triple Jump (11.88 / 38-11.75) 5th all-time

Emma Ponx - Pole Vault (3.60 / 11-10.00) 5th all-time

"Most impressive performances on the men's side included Sandro Belluz who won the triple jump and high jump. Logan Lommel easily won the men's 800 and 1500, an impressive double in the heat. Our long sprinters went 1-2-4 in the 400 meters, and doubled back to win the 4 x 400 relay," coach Brokaw said. "Our women were led by many event winners including Briza Dure in the 100 meters, Paulina Wuestefeld in the 1500 meters, and Maddie Trevena in the 3000 meters. In the field events, our women's team saw equal success. Aliyah Adams won the long jump and Nakeita Kessling won the triple jump."

Event Winners:

Briza Dure - 100 Meters

Richard Brown - 400 Meters

Logan Lommel 800 Meters

Logan Lommel - 1500 Meters

Paulina Wuestefeld - 1500 Meters

Madison Trevena - 3000 Meters

Alessandro Belluz - High Jump

Alessandro Belluz - Triple Jump

Aliyah Adams - Long Jump

Nakeita Kessling - Triple Jump

Lucas Burmeister, Isaac Jones, Lucas Hofer, Richard Brown - 4x400 Meter Relay

"It feels so good to see so many successful student-athletes in all the events. It's been many years since Western Illinois had a full track & field team," coach Brokaw concluded. "We have a long way to go still but this is such an encouraging improvement from last year. We are very excited to get back out there and compete again next weekend at Iowa."

The Leatherneck track and field teams head to Iowa City, IA on April 22, 2023 to compete at the Musco Twilight Invite.