Chambana Sun

Junior Tacoria Humphrey achieved a remarkable feat at the second annual Gary Wieneke Memorial in Champaign, Illinois, by setting new records in the women's long jump. Humphrey's leap of 6.73 meters not only broke the program and Demirjian Track records but also placed her at the top nationally.

Director of track, field, and cross country Petros Kyprianou expressed satisfaction with the event's outcomes. "Today was an amazing day for a lot of our athletes," he said. "Perfect weather conditions and a big crowd helped us put up some amazing performances that should get us going when the postseason comes around."

Humphrey's teammates also delivered impressive performances. Freshman Elizabeth Ndudi achieved a leap of 6.68 meters, setting an Irish national record and securing second place. Junior Darja Sopova took third place with a jump of 6.64 meters and later won gold in the triple jump with a mark of 13.37 meters.

In other events, graduate student Amber Simpson set a new school and Big Ten record in the hammer throw with a distance of 70.21 meters. Senior Tyler Sudduth won the shot put with a personal best throw of 19.85 meters.

The 4x100m relay team comprising freshmen Asia Thomas and Sophia Beckmon, along with Humphrey and sophomore Azariyah Bryant, clinched victory with a new Demirjian Track record time of 43.84 seconds.

Junior Jessica McDowell triumphed in the 200m race clocking at 22.95 seconds, while junior Tori Thomas won gold in pole vault by clearing 4.37 meters.

The Illini athletes are set to participate next in the Mt. SAC Relays scheduled from April 17-20 in Walnut, California.