Deanna Price Assistant Coach - Throws | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Deanna Price Assistant Coach - Throws | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Illinois men's and women's track and field teams began their season at the Fighting Illini Open, held at the UI Armory in Champaign, Illinois. Tacoria Humphrey was a standout performer, setting a new school and UI Armory record in the long jump with a leap of 6.78 meters (22-3), which is currently the leading mark in the nation for 2025.
The women's long jump team performed exceptionally well, with Sophia Beckmon placing second with a mark of 6.71 meters (22-0 1/4), Darja Sopova third at 6.51 meters (21-4 1/4), Morgan Smalls fourth at 6.49 meters (21-3 1/2), Elizabeth Ndudi fifth at 6.42 meters (21-0 3/4), and Lucie Kienast sixth at 6.33 meters (20-9 1/4).
Phethisang Makhethe set a school record in the weight throw with a distance of 22.28 meters (73-1 1/4) on her second attempt, securing both the win and the national No. 2 mark.
In other events, Jordan Koskondy achieved the program's third-best weight throw with a distance of 20.94 meters (68-8 1/2) to finish second, while newcomer Abria Smith placed third with a throw of 20.13 meters (66-0 1/2). Smith also won the shot put event with a throw of 15.92 meters (52-2 3/4).
Cody Johnston claimed victory in the pole vault with a clearance of 5.43 meters (17-9 3/4), marking it as the program's fourth-best performance.
Viktor Morozov excelled in the long jump, achieving a distance of 7.81 meters (25-7 1/2), which ranks as the nation's second-furthest jump.
Dewayne Johnson won the men's 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.78 seconds, making it both his personal best and currently ranked as tenth-fastest nationally.
Tyler Sudduth secured wins in both weight throw and shot put events, recording distances of 21.43 meters (70-3 3/4) and 18.71 meters (61-4 3/4) respectively.
Tori Thomas topped the pole vault competition by clearing a height of 4.33 meters (14-2½). In high jump, Kam Garrett emerged victorious by clearing his first attempt at a height of 2.05m (6–8¾).
Next week, Illinois' track and field teams will participate in the Hoosier Horsepower Classic on January 18th in Indianapolis.
Alerts Sign-up