The SIU track and field teams spent the weekend competing in both the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,  and the Clark Wood Open in Louisville, Kentucky.

Each meet saw several strong finishes from SIU athletes, with a total of 4 first-place finishes and multiple other top five finishes.

As the name implies, many of the races that took place at the Penn Relays meet were in fact relays.  Between both men and women, the Salukis ran in nine relay races, while also having competitors in men’s shot put and discus as well as the 100 meter dash.  

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The men’s 4×100 meter relay, comprised of Lamark Threadgill, Xavier Preston, Christian Donatelli, and Jeremiah Hamilton, qualified for the finals after finishing in 40.52 seconds, earning them third place overall.

The men were back at in the 4×400 meter relay; Shane Ashton, Xavier Preston, Josh Delgado, and Jeremiah Hamilton combined to run a 3:09.17, which earned them first place in the event.  

Donatelli also qualified for the finals in the 100 meter dash, running a 10.73  in prelims before finishing eighth overall in the finals.  

The women’s team of Miracle Berry, Shavell Riley, Vashti Grey, and Iaunia Pointer took first place in the women’s 4×400 relay, with a time of 3:38.48, more than two full seconds ahead of the next-best team.  

The Salukis also had an impressive showing at the Clark Wood Open.  

Uriah Guthrie won the 3000 meter run with a time of 8:35.82, edging out fellow SIU runner Travis Hart, who took second with a time of 8:36.57.  

Ellie Hall also took first in the women’s 3000 meter run, clocking a 10:03.95.  

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Freshman standout Daniel Norris rounded out the top finishers and took second in the discus throw with a mammoth 176 feet, 2 inches toss.  

The track team will have a week off before competing again on May 12-14 in the MVC Championships, which will be hosted by Illinois State in Normal, Illinois.   

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Sports Reporter Ryan Grieser can be reached at [email protected]

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