Dennis Mitchell Assistant Coach - Pole Vault | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Dennis Mitchell Assistant Coach - Pole Vault | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Fighting Illini track and field teams continued their participation in the NCAA Indoor Championships on March 8, 2024. Junior Tori Thomas and freshman Elizabeth Ndudi achieved First-Team All-America status.
Thomas earned her All-American title in the pole vault, finishing sixth with a clearance of 4.40m (14-5 1/4). She is the first Illini woman to achieve this honor in pole vault since Stephanie Richartz placed third in 2015. Thomas narrowly missed clearing a height of 4.45m but contributed two and a half team points with her tie for sixth place.
Ndudi secured her All-American status by placing seventh in the long jump with a leap of 6.35m (20-10). She is the first Illini woman to receive All-America honors in long jump since Yvonne Mensah in 2007. Ndudi's performance added two points to the team's score.
The women's team last had multiple All-Americans at these championships in 2013. After day two, they are positioned at 20th place with four and a half points.
Senior Aiden Ouimet completed part one of his heptathlon events on Friday, holding fourth place with 3,315 points. His day included finishing sixth in the 60m dash and fourth in the long jump, contributing significantly to his total score.
Other performances included junior Jessica McDowell placing tenth in the 400m semifinals and juniors Tacoria Humphrey and Sophia Beckmon competing in the long jump event.
The final day of competition will see senior Aiden Ouimet continue his heptathlon efforts, while other team members compete across various events. Fans can watch live coverage on ESPN+ or follow along with live results.
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