Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's track and field team excelled at the Don Denoon Invite held in Carbondale, Illinois. The event took place at the SIU Recreation Center, showcasing strong performances across various disciplines.

Sprints coach DeShawn Marshall Jr. expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance, stating, "It was an excellent showing for the team today, all event groups." He emphasized the positive energy within the program and hoped it would create momentum for the upcoming championship season.

In sprints, James Gaiters secured first place in the 400m dash with a time of 50.83 seconds. Keyann Wilson won both the 60m dash (7.77 seconds) and 200m dash (24.91 seconds). Xavier Preston also emerged victorious in the 60m dash finals with a time of 6.92 seconds.

Distance coach Angelina Ramos highlighted the team's growing tactical acumen, noting, "Our team is sharpening to the tactical and strategic side of indoor racing." Hannah Meiser set a personal best by winning the mile run in 5:04.46, while Brianna Nieset clinched victory in the 800m race with a time of 2:18.66.

The throwers performed well under throws coach Jeneva Stevens' guidance. Dallas Hodge achieved a new personal best in weight throw with an 18.70m mark on his second attempt. Kyan Bell won shot put with a distance of 15.96m and improved his weight throw record to 17.94m.

In jumps, Dyson Roye topped the pole vault with a height of 4.40m, while Jadon Robertson won both high jump (2.02m) and set personal records in other events. Jumps coach Jacob Brydson praised Robertson's performance as one of his best days as a Saluki.

Makayla Winters claimed victory in long jump with her personal best distance of 5.27m on her final attempt. Jacob Morrison also set his personal best by winning long jump at 7.35m.

Brydson commended Na'Kyrah Cooks' achievement in triple jump: "Na'Kyrah opened up...with a first jump that is now her lifetime best." Darrione Williams secured victory in men's triple jump with a distance of 14.63m.

The Salukis will aim to continue their success at the MVC Indoor Championship on March 2 at Chicago's Dr. Conrad Worril Track & Field Center.