For the first time in history, eight Illini para track and field athletes are competing at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Tournament at the University of Oregon this week.
On Friday, four Illinois athletes competed in the men’s wheelchair 100-meter final.
Illinois’ Evan Correl won the race by more than a second with a time of 14.33 seconds, making him the men’s wheelchair 100-meter national champion. Jason Robinson secured second place with a time of 15.37 seconds, Phillip Croft took third place in 15.58 seconds, and Noah Echelberg finished in fifth place with a time of 15.82 seconds.
This tournament marks a significant milestone as the NCAA, in collaboration with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expanded last year to include wheelchair events for para athletes in three sports — tennis, track & field and basketball. This collaboration aims to enhance the inclusion and recognition of para athletics within collegiate sports.
The tournament will continue today with the women’s wheelchair 100-meter final. Four athletes — Bree Doll, Rachel Cleaver, Hannah Dederick and Hoda Elshorbagy — will represent Illinois in the final this afternoon.
