CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois track and field programs are set to start its indoor season when it hosts the Illini Classic on Jan. 6 at the UI Armory. The first event is set to start at 11 a.m. CT with the weight throw. The field includes: Butler, Milwaukee and Purdue – Fort Wayne.
This will be new director of track and field/cross country Petros Kyprianou's first chance to showcase his new team and staff. Some new faces coaching Illini student-athletes include: Sarah Glidden (jumps and combined events), J.C. Lambert (throws), Dennis Mitchell (pole vault), and Javonie Small (sprints, hurdles and relays). The lone carry over from last year's staff is Sarah Haveman (distance and cross country).
ILLINI NOTES
- The Illinois women finished tied for 10th with 30 points at the 2022 Big Ten Indoor Championships, the men placed 10th as well with 34 points.
- The Illini return 10Â student-athletes who qualified for the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Championships including: Olivia Howell (1,500m), Emma Milburn (1,500m), Halle Hill (1,500m), Jessica McDowell (400m), Rebecca Craddock (5,000m), Tori Thomas (pole vault), Bret Dannis (110m hurdles), Robert Williams (400m hurdles), DeVontae Ford (400m hurdles) and Tyler Sudduth (shot put)
- Olivia Howell is coming off of a strong cross country season where she won three races, one being the Midwest NCAA Regionals. She is also the reigning Big Ten Indoor Mile Champion.
- Tyler Sudduth earned second-team All-America honors in the shot put last indoor season.
