Leah Thames
Recap | Thames, Salukis dominate 400-meter dash on day one of Fighting Illini Challenge
01/24/2025 | 10:14:00 | Track and Field
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Southern Illinois Track and Field wrapped up day one at the Fighting Illini Challenge at the UI Armory.
Director of Track and Field Richard Jones gave his thoughts on the first day in Champaign.
"This was a quality day two meet, the kids are getting into a rhythm of competing over two days," Jones said. "I was able to see our field athletes excel with marks that should be competitive within our conference."
TRACK EVENTS
Christian Coleman started the day by setting his best time in the men's 60-meter hurdles, and finishing with a time of 8.09 seconds, qualifying for day two's final on Saturday. Dom Martin finished with a time of 8.71 seconds, good for seventh place. He will race in Saturday's final.
The women took the stage next, dominating in the 400-meter race. Leah Thames led the way with a time of 57.12 seconds, this set her season-best time in the 400-meter dash. The Salukis held four of the top five spots.
Andre Jackson II carried over momentum from the Indiana Invitational, finishing second in the men's 400-meter dash with a time of 48.77 seconds.
FIELD EVENTS
The men's long jump saw four Salukis finish in the top seven. Led by Darrione Williams, finishing in third place with a 7.03-meter (23-00.75 feet) jump. He was one of three athletes to complete a jump over seven meters.
Na'Kyrah Cooks was the last Saluki to compete on Friday in the long jump event. She finished in seventh place with a 5.82-meter (19-01.50 feet) jump. Cook's performance is leading the Valley in the women's long jump.
HEPTATHLON
Jadon Robertson currently sits in fifth place with 2911 points. He competed in four events, with his best finish coming in the high jump. Robertson completed a 2 meter (6-06.75), which is his season's best mark in the event. The Heptathlon will conclude on Saturday.
"From these results, we look forward to some larger meets in the next coming weeks," Jones said.
Full results for day one can be seen here.
PERSONAL BESTS
UP NEXT
The Fighting Illini Challenge will conclude on Saturday, Jan. 25. The day two schedule can be found here.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on Twitter (@SIUTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC) and Facebook (@SalukiTrackAndField).
Director of Track and Field Richard Jones gave his thoughts on the first day in Champaign.
"This was a quality day two meet, the kids are getting into a rhythm of competing over two days," Jones said. "I was able to see our field athletes excel with marks that should be competitive within our conference."
TRACK EVENTS
Christian Coleman started the day by setting his best time in the men's 60-meter hurdles, and finishing with a time of 8.09 seconds, qualifying for day two's final on Saturday. Dom Martin finished with a time of 8.71 seconds, good for seventh place. He will race in Saturday's final.
The women took the stage next, dominating in the 400-meter race. Leah Thames led the way with a time of 57.12 seconds, this set her season-best time in the 400-meter dash. The Salukis held four of the top five spots.
Andre Jackson II carried over momentum from the Indiana Invitational, finishing second in the men's 400-meter dash with a time of 48.77 seconds.
FIELD EVENTS
The men's long jump saw four Salukis finish in the top seven. Led by Darrione Williams, finishing in third place with a 7.03-meter (23-00.75 feet) jump. He was one of three athletes to complete a jump over seven meters.
Na'Kyrah Cooks was the last Saluki to compete on Friday in the long jump event. She finished in seventh place with a 5.82-meter (19-01.50 feet) jump. Cook's performance is leading the Valley in the women's long jump.
HEPTATHLON
Jadon Robertson currently sits in fifth place with 2911 points. He competed in four events, with his best finish coming in the high jump. Robertson completed a 2 meter (6-06.75), which is his season's best mark in the event. The Heptathlon will conclude on Saturday.
"From these results, we look forward to some larger meets in the next coming weeks," Jones said.
Full results for day one can be seen here.
PERSONAL BESTS
- Christian Coleman – Men's 60-meter hurdle – 8.09 seconds
UP NEXT
The Fighting Illini Challenge will conclude on Saturday, Jan. 25. The day two schedule can be found here.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on Twitter (@SIUTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC) and Facebook (@SalukiTrackAndField).
Players Mentioned
Sprints / Hurdles
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Sprints
/ Track and Field
Jumps/Multis
/ Track and Field
Sprints
/ Track and Field
Jumps
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