University of Illinois
Fighting Illini Challenge
Illini Track and Field Set for Outdoor Home Opener Saturday
April 5, 2023 | Women's Track & Field, Men's Track & Field
Preview
| Fighting Illini Challenge | |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, April 8 |
| Time (CT) | Field Events - 11 a.m. // Track Events - 12 p.m. |
| Location | Demirjian Park // Champaign, Ill. |
| Meet Information | Live Stats // Meet Schedule |
| Shop | Fighting Illini Store |
| Social Media | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois track and field teams are prepped for the outdoor home opener, the Fighting Illini Challenge, on Saturday April 8. Field events are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and track events start at 12 p.m. CT at Demirjian Park. Parking is available for spectators at the Atkins Tennis Center. Indoor Mile National and Big Ten Champion junior Olivia Howell will make her outdoor season debut, running the 800m this weekend.
"We are excited to open up with our first of two home meets," said Director of Track, Field and Cross Country Petros Kyprianou. "I know our community has rich history and desire towards our sport and we are committed in providing a show to remember in both meets. The team, staff and I are eager to compete at our beautiful facility in what looks to be wonderful early spring weather. As we continue to build this new era of Illini track and field, hosting high quality and fun meets is crucial for giving back to the community and our fans, ILL."
New long jump school record holder sophomore Tacoria Humphrey will be jumping this Saturday too. She broke the record with a 6.39m (20-11 3/4) at the Rafer Johnson and Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Rafer JJK) Invite on March 25.
First time weight throw first-team All-American junior Tyler Sudduth will be throwing in three events this weekend: the shot put, discus and hammer throw. Freshman Olivia Campbell made her debut in the hammer throw at the Rafer JJK Invite on March 24 and already holds the school's second furthest mark, 55.16m (180-11). She will throw the hammer and make her discus debut this weekend.
Teams making the trip to Champaign include: Bradley, Butler, DePaul, Eastern Illinois, Illinois Chicago, Iowa, Loyola Chicago, Milwaukee, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Northwestern, Purdue, Saint Louis and SIUE.
Bunny and egg hunt information.
