The Southern Illinois University track and field team is set to begin its home schedule for the 2026 indoor season with the Don DeNoon Invite, starting Thursday in Carbondale. The event marks an early test for the Salukis as they look to build on last year’s strong showing at the DeNoon Classic, where they won 14 events and achieved 27 personal bests.
This year’s meet will give coaches and athletes a chance to compare their current form with last season’s achievements and assess how offseason training has impacted early-season performance. The Salukis are coming off a weekend at the Indiana Invitational, where they recorded 10 indoor personal bests in their first competition of the year.
Originally scheduled to start Friday, January 23, the two-day DeNoon Classic was moved up by one day due to forecasts of inclement weather over the weekend. The competition will conclude on Friday.
Southern Illinois will compete against several regional teams, including Harris-Stowe State, Lindenwood, Maryville, Missouri S&T, Murray State, and Southeast Missouri.
Thursday’s events begin at 2 p.m. with the weight throw and end around 7 p.m. with the high jump. On Friday, action resumes at 9 a.m. with the pole vault.
Fans can keep up with live results during the meet.
For ongoing updates about Southern Illinois track and field, fans are encouraged to follow @SIUTrackXC on Twitter and Instagram as well as @SalukiTrackAndField on Facebook.
