The Millikin men's and women's track and field teams opened competition at the CCIW Outdoor Championships with several strong performances on day one, highlighted by all-conference finishes and multiple marks added to the program's all-time top-10 list.
In the combined events, Millikin saw a strong start in the men's decathlon. Matthew Schumacher placed second in the 100 meters with a time of 11.38, followed closely by Jack Pearce in third at 11.44. Pearce continued his strong showing in the field events, winning the high jump with a clearance of 1.84 meters and recording a mark of 6.22 meters in the long jump. The decathlon will continue on the second day of competition.
On the women's side of the combined events, Audrey Remole led the way in the heptathlon, winning the high jump with a clearance of 1.55 meters. Taylor Beiler also turned in a strong performance, finishing tied for second at 1.52 meters. The heptathlon will resume on day two.
Millikin also recorded several all-conference performances in the field events. Alexa Weter delivered a standout performance in the pole vault, clearing 3.51 meters, while Hailey Newill followed with a mark of 3.36 meters. In the men's hammer throw, Hunter Danberry earned all-conference honors with a throw of 50.07 meters, and Matthew Schumacher added an all-conference finish in the javelin with a mark of 46.74 meters.
The Big Blue distance squad made a significant impact on the program record book in the 10,000 meters. On the women's side, Teyla Wendt recorded a time of 42:23.63 to rank seventh all-time at Millikin.
In the men's 10,000 meters, Aiden Pacunas led the way with a time of 32:41.43, which ranks fourth in program history. William Turvey recorded a time of 32:56.77 to rank ninth all-time, while Talan Thrasher rounded out the top-10 performances with a time of 33:00.65, ranking 10th.
Millikin also saw movement in the program's all-time rankings in the pole vault and hammer throw. Weter's clearance of 3.51 meters is tied for first all-time in program history, while Newill's mark of 3.36 meters ranks fourth and Kelsie Fuoss' clearance of 3.21 meters ranks fifth. Danberry's hammer throw of 50.07 meters ranks third all-time at Millikin.
The Big Blue will continue competition at the CCIW Outdoor Championships with day two action.
