Broken Records Highlight WIU Track and Field

Sunday, April 14, 2024

EDWARDSVILLE – Another meet, another day to rewrite the Western Illinois men's and women's outdoor track and field record book.

The Leatherneck men and women once again had another strong showing, this time at the SIUE Cougar Classic in Edwardsville on Saturday.

"We had a great team effort today down in Edwardsville," WIU coach Trey Brokaw said. "Every event group had impressive performances and that's encouraging because we're still in a period of heavy training. Nearly every event we had someone win, set a school record, or hit an NCAA Regional qualifying mark."

The first names in the program record from Saturday were Savannah Harvey, Aliyah Adams, Briza Dure and Renee Raglin in the 4x100 relay. The foursome set a new program best mark, covering the track in 46.58. The record broke one of the longest-held standards in program history, topping the previous mark of 46.76, which was set in 1987. The time was also tops at the meet.

Raglin, Adams and Harvey were not done, though.

Raglin would add the long jump title, with a best of 6.22 meters while Adams won the triple jump (12.7 meters) and finished second in the long jump (6.01 meters).

"Aliyah had another big day. Her triple jump mark should get her into the NCAA West Regional Championships" Brokaw said. "She's only participated in the triple jump for a little over one year now. It's really impressive how well she has done so far. I think the sky is the limit for her. She also anchored our school record 4 x 100 relay.

"Renee Raglin has battled some injuries off and on this year but she's finally getting back close to full strength. Her near school record in the long jump will get her into the NCAA West Regional Championships, which is a tremendous achievement. Renee also led off our impressive 4x100 meter relay team that broke the school record from 1987. That group of girls have worked so hard and they are very talented. They are young too - junior, sophomore, sophomore, freshman. We are really excited to see how far this group can go this year."

Harvey also captured more gold, winning the 100 meters in 12.39.

The relay group was not the line top mark in program in history.

In the men's pole vault, Arnie Grunert made his way to the top spot in program history, clearing 16 feet, 7.25 inches, beating the previous mark of 16-6.25, set in 2005 and 2008. Grunert's mark also earned him first place.

"Arnie has improved his speed and power levels dramatically. His school record vault is a good start to his outdoor season. With some bigger poles, Arnie has a good chance to qualify for the NCAA National meet."

Several other Leathernecks also found their way to the podium.

Malachi Barendilla finished third in the 100, running the event in 10.87. In the women's 1500, Maleigha Huston (4:34.9) and Aylana Cezar (4:43.59) went one-two while Sean Hudspath finished second in the men's portion (3:58.10). Cezar also added a runner-up finish in the 800.

In the 400, Monqiue Remy finished third for the WIU women while Jaiden Young and Richard Brown were second and third.

Sophia Myers continued her strong season, winning the 400 hurdles in 1:05.78. Myers also took home the 100 hurdles title

In the men's 800, WIU went one-two again, this time with Logan Lommel finishing first and Isaac Jones second.

Madison Trevena added another WIU victory in a distance event, winning the 3000.

In the men's long jump, Western Illinois swept the podium. Torriano Tate finished first with Cage Davison second and Alessandro Belluz third. Belluz also won the triple jump title and was second in the high jump.

WIU also took home the top four spots in the women's pole vault. Emma Ponx led the way and was followed by Paulina Lucer, Dana Surwillo and Colleen Johnson.

WIU is next in action next weekend at the Musco Twilight in Iowa City.

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