Chambana Sun

The Illinois track and field teams concluded the first day of the Hurricane Invitational in Coral Gables, Florida, with several notable performances. Freshman Cody Johnston secured his first outdoor season pole vault victory, achieving a mark of 5.50m (18-0 1/2), which ranks fourth in the program's history and is currently the leading national mark for 2024.

In women's pole vaulting, junior Tori Thomas and sophomore Mia Morello took the top two positions with identical vaults of 4.20m (13-9 1/4). Thomas won by clearing on her first attempt, while Morello achieved a personal best on her final try, placing third in the program's records and leading nationally for this year.

Junior Phethisang Makhethe debuted impressively in the hammer throw, finishing fourth with a throw of 59.41m (194-11), ranking third both in the program and nationally. Freshman Jordan Koskondy also made an impact by placing 11th with a throw of 52.62m (172-8).

Freshman Javaris Ambrose joined his teammates with a strong performance in the hammer throw, recording a distance of 59.93m (196-7) to rank seventh in program history and fourth overall at the event.

On the track, junior Halle Hill finished fourth in the 3000m race with a time of 9:28.75, marking it as the fifth-fastest time for Illinois. In men's distance running, senior Jack Roberts claimed gold in the 3000m run at 8:22.12, while sophomore Alex Partlow earned bronze with an 8:25.82 finish.

Senior Tyler Sudduth placed third in discus with a final attempt reaching 54.56m (179-0). Junior Kelsey Rothas secured eighth place in pole vaulting at a height of 3.95m (12-11 1/2).

The Illini teams will continue their participation tomorrow on March 16 for the concluding day of events at the Hurricane Invitational.