Chambana Sun

The Illinois men's track and field team concluded the first day of the NCAA West Preliminaries in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with notable performances. Two athletes have secured their places at the NCAA Outdoor Championships: senior Tyler Sudduth in the shot put and freshman Cody Johnston in the pole vault.

Sudduth achieved a throw of 19.01 meters (62-4 1/2), marking his first qualification for the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Johnston also advanced to the national meet by placing third in the pole vault with a clearance of 5.42 meters (17-9 1/4).

To advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, athletes must place among the top 12 in their events at either the East or West Preliminaries. Both Sudduth and Johnston aim to finish as All-Americans by reaching podium positions.

In other events, senior Robert Williams ran a season-best time of 50.50 seconds in the 400m hurdles, securing second place in his heat and seventh overall to qualify for Friday's quarterfinals. Sophomore Tadeas Placek will compete in Friday's quarterfinals for the 800m after placing 20th with a time of 1:48.67.

Sophomore Nicolas Dovalovsky finished 31st in the 800m event with a time of 1:49.28. Senior Will Merrick placed 37th in the 1500m run with a time of 3:45.16, while sophomore Viktor Morozov came in at position number forty-one in long jump with a leap measuring seven point zero three meters (23-0¾). Freshman Eleftherios Kontonikola did not participate due to an injury that forced him out from competing further.

The women's team is set to begin their preliminary rounds on May twenty-third, starting at ten o'clock A.M for field events and six P.M Central Time for track events, which will be available on ESPN+ from six P.M onwards.