Western Illinois' Richard Brown competed at the NCAA West Regional Qualifier in the 800 meters, placing 43rd overall. Although Brown failed to advance to the second round the Leatherneck track and field staff reflect on the positives from the 2023 season.
"We didn't get the results we were hoping for at the NCAA West Regional Championships. Richard has had an up and down year. We've certainly learned a lot but we still have a long way to go before we reach our goals of qualifying to the NCAA National Championships," coach Trey Brokaw said. "Richard has the talent and the work ethic though. We plan to be back here next year looking for a different outcome. I'm hopeful that we can bring a large group of teammates with Richard next year."
The Leathernecks came into the 2023 season with a completely revamped roster that was composed of over 60 percent newcomers and three new coaches on staff. While this creates a lot of excitement for the program, the real test is in the results at the competitions. The 2023 indoor and Outdoor season had Western rewriting the history books.
"It's been a fun year for the team. A year ago we barely had any student-athletes in the throws, multis, jumps, and sprints. This year, we took a huge step forward towards a healthy, balanced track & field program," Brokaw said. "It was so encouraging to see quality representation in nearly every event group. It's taken a tremendous amount of work; developing the current student-athletes and recruiting in talent around them."
Indoor Results:
29 top-10 performances
3 school records
1 conference champion
1 conference newcomer-of-the-year
1 conference field event athlete-of-the-year
Outdoors Results:
19 top-10 performances
2 school records
1 conference champion
1 NCAA Regional qualifier
The Western Illinois track and field teams are anticipating more success in the 2024 seasons. Current student-athletes have gained experience to add to the talented student-athletes coming in. The coaches believe the move to the Ohio Valley Conference creates a new and appealing opportunity for the young team.
"We had thirty-three newcomers a year ago and we're on pace to have forty-five newcomers in this year's recruiting class. Recruiting is where a healthy program starts and I'm so thankful for the hard work that our staff and student-athletes have put in to help build this program back to a winning level. Our team culture is very positive," Brokaw said. "I think we've built it the right way. In-coming recruits are talented but also good students and good people. I believe it's a bright future for Leatherneck track & field and we look forward to competing for team titles in the Ohio Valley Conference soon."
