Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's track and field team participated in the first day of the MVC Indoor Track and Field Championship at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center in Chicago, Illinois. Director Richard Jones expressed satisfaction with his team's performance on day one, stating, "As I have been sharing with the athletes on how improved the conference marks have gotten... we have stepped up to the challenge."

Several athletes qualified for various events. Weston Jokerst secured a spot in the mile-run event with a time of 4:15.43. In the 60m hurdles, Christian Coleman (8.20 seconds) and Nadir Langston (8.27 seconds) advanced, with Langston achieving a personal best.

Leah Thames and Teanna Bell both qualified for the 400-meter event, clocking times of 55.75 seconds and 55.81 seconds respectively, setting personal and season-best marks. Thames also qualified for the 200-meter dash at 24.54 seconds.

Andre Jackson excelled by qualifying in both the 200m (21.59 seconds) and 400m (47.41 seconds), achieving personal bests in each event.

In jumps, coach Jacob Brydson praised his athletes' performances, highlighting Darrione Williams' second-place finish in the long jump with a distance of 7.33m as his season's best mark. Na'Kyrah Cooks also claimed silver in her long jump category with a leap of 5.72m.

Dallas Hodge placed fourth in weight throw with a personal best of 18.91m, while Halaya Woodson broke her own record twice during her sixth-place finish.

In men's heptathlon standings after day one, Jadon Robertson holds third place with Dom Martin close behind in sixth place.

The Salukis will aim to improve their positions as they enter day two of competition on Monday.