MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois track and field teams put together a strong week of competition across meets at Monmouth, the Kip Janvrin Open, and the Drake Relays, highlighted by multiple event victories, personal records, and a school record performance.

At Monmouth College, the Leathernecks found success in the field events, led by Kelly Fern, who claimed the pole vault title with a clearance of 3.60 meters. In the throws, Kamaya McDuffy placed fifth in the discus (36.51m), while Franka Weil-Restrepo added a 10th-place finish in both the discus (34.84m) and shot put (10.29m).

Western Illinois continued its momentum at the Kip Janvrin Open with several top finishes and personal bests. Kenneth Cooley led the way on the track with a third-place finish in the 200 meters (21.80), while Janelle Marshall placed sixth in the 100-meter hurdles (15.46). Zearra Milburn added a seventh-place finish in the 400 meters (59.69).

In the field events, Kelly Fern picked up her second pole vault win of the week with a mark of 3.65 meters. Charlie Terry (4.25m) and Nino Romeo (4.10m) also placed in the top six. The triple jump proved to be a standout event, as Kelsey Hutchins won the competition with a mark of 11.85 meters, moving to No. 6 all-time in program history. Nakeita Kessling followed with a runner-up finish (11.62m), while Yoanny Espinoza placed fourth (10.66m).

On the distance side, Eason Comer recorded personal records in both the 800 meters (1:57.19) and 1500 meters (4:09.39), while Jayda Stewart added a personal best in the 400 meters (1:01.45).

At the Drake Relays, the Leathernecks competed against top collegiate competition and turned in several notable performances. Mya Hippolyte recorded a season-best time of 11.93 in the 100 meters, while Maleigha Huston placed seventh in the 800 meters (2:12.62). Emma-Kate Watt added a seventh-place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (11:08.61).

The relay squads highlighted the weekend, beginning with a sixth-place finish in the 4x200 relay (1:40.13), which ranks No. 4 all-time in program history. The 4x400 relay posted a season-best time of 3:50.39, while the 4x800 relay clocked 9:06.70 to move to No. 6 all-time.

The sprint medley relay added another top-10 mark in program history, finishing in 4:04.77 to rank 10th all-time. The distance medley relay capped the meet with a school record performance, finishing in 11:59.91.

In multi-events action, Matthew Thomas placed 11th in the decathlon with 6,022 points, recording personal bests in the 100 meters, high jump, and discus. In the long jump, Toriano Tate led the way with a fourth-place finish (7.22m), while Cage Davison placed 14th (6.81m).

Western Illinois will continue its outdoor season next week as it prepares for the Gary Wienke Invite.

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