Chambana Sun

The Illinois men's and women's track and field teams are set to compete in the NCAA West Preliminaries in College Station, Texas, from May 28 to 31. Seven men and 15 women have qualified for this initial round of the NCAA Championship competition.

Among the athletes participating are four Big Ten Champions: Tacoria Humphrey, Cody Johnston, Viktor Morozov, and Abria Smith. Humphrey has been a team leader throughout the season, winning her second consecutive outdoor Big Ten long jump title with a mark of 6.59m (21-7 1/2). She also claimed the indoor Big Ten long jump title earlier this year.

Johnston achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Illinois men's pole vaulter in 31 years to win at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. He set a meet record with a vault of 5.64m (18-6), although it was later discovered that standards were not changed from a previous high school meet. Despite this oversight, his title and team points remain valid.

Morozov secured his first Big Ten title in the triple jump after initially placing second. His competitor was disqualified due to illegal spikes, making Morozov the champion—the first for Illinois in this event in 34 years.

Smith earned her shot put gold medal without controversy, achieving a throw of 17.95m (58-10 3/4) on her first attempt.

Two Illini heptathletes have already qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships: Lucie Kienast and Melissa Wullschleger finished second and fourth at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships with scores of 5,851 and 5,749 points respectively.

The top 48 athletes from each region advance to their respective preliminary rounds held from May 28 to 31. The top 12 competitors will then move on to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, scheduled for June 11-14.