Illinois track and field has a big split weekend ahead as most of the team travels to Albuquerque to take on New Mexico for the New Mexico Collegiate Classic. Then, the long-distance runners fly to Boston, Massachusetts, to compete in the Bruce Lehane Scarlet and White Invitational.
These events are coming after some big performances in the Fighting Illini Challenge. Most notable were the efforts by sophomore Jip De Greef, who won the heptathlon last time.
No half measures
Pressure for the Illinois women is high as they are the top squad in the long jump category. The long jump unit is led by senior Tacoria Humphrey, having the best score with a mark of 6.78 meters. She received this score during her performance at home in the Fighting Illini Open in January.
Both teams sit in the top 10 for the Week 2 rankings. The men fall at No. 9, whereas the women land at No. 4. These rankings are for overall standings, not just one event.
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In the women’s field, Illinois is No. 2 for the weight throw, sitting just behind fellow Big Ten school Wisconsin. Leading here is senior Phethisang Makhethe, a South African native who landed in second place with 21.50 meters at the last meet.
The added pressure of being ranked so high makes it interesting to see how Illinois performs in New Mexico. But the team has a lot of experience, so added pressure should be nothing new.
The equalizers
The long-distance runners travel to Boston University to race far and long on the East Coast. The men’s long-distance team is spearheaded by senior Anthony Maida.
Maida finished the Fighting Illini Challenge with a 4:07 final and finished fifth in the mile. It was the highest finish for the men’s long-distance squad, with the next closest being junior Joshua Daggett, who finished sixth in the mile.
The women’s squad did not fare much better, as none placed in the top five for the mile. The women have the opportunity to improve this time in Boston. The Illini were ranked No. 157 in the nation for the mile. However, the team ranks significantly better in the 800 meters, at No. 14.
Junior Audrey Ginsberg was the leader for Illinois in the mile at the Fighting Illini Open and has the chance to crack into the top five for this meet. Her best mile came last year during the 2024 indoor season, where she ran a 5:06.53 during the Illini Challenge.
Splitting the team
With long-distance runners in Boston and everyone else in Albuquerque, it will be interesting to follow both squads in different parts of the country.
The stronger squad being in the Southwest gives Illinois a chance to improve in the rankings, while the distance runners can make a statement in Boston.
The meet in New Mexico starts on Friday and begins at noon. Day two, on Saturday, begins at 11:30 a.m. in Albuquerque and starts at 10 a.m. in Boston.
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