Chambana Sun

The Illinois men's and women's track and field teams participated in the Hoosier Horsepower Classic on January 18, 2025, in Indianapolis. Rose Yeboah achieved a significant milestone by setting a new school record in the high jump with a mark of 1.91 meters (6-3 1/4), which also ties the national leading mark.

Abria Smith excelled in the shot put event, securing victory with a throw of 16.49 meters (54-1 1/4), marking the second-furthest throw in program history. Cody Johnston claimed first place in the pole vault, clearing a height of 5.52 meters (18-1 1/4), currently ranked as the seventh-best mark nationally.

Phethisang Makhethe continued her winning streak by clinching her second consecutive weight throw competition with a distance of 22.26 meters (73-0 1/2). Jordan Koskondy finished second with a throw measuring 21.16 meters (69-5 1/4), while Olivia Campbell and Faith Deering recorded throws ranking sixth and ninth best in program history, respectively.

The Illinois team secured victories in eight additional events. Tyler Sudduth emerged victorious in both the weight throw at 22.15 meters (72-8) and shot put at 19.47 meters (63-10 1/2). Tori Thomas won the pole vault with a clearance of 4.40 meters (14-5 1/4). Other winners included Trey Sato in the mile run with a time of 4:08.75, Dewayne Johnson in the 60-meter hurdles clocking at 7.81 seconds, Halle Hill in the women's 800m finishing at 2:08.23, Will Merrick taking first place in the men's 3000m at an impressive time of 8:10.50, and Kennady Anderson winning the women's version of that race with a time of 9:37.90.

The Orange and Blue track teams are set to compete next weekend on January 24th and 25th during their home event for the Fighting Illini Challenge and Combined Events.