Track Sends Large Contingent To Drake Relays

CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois will send one of its largest contingents ever to compete in this weekend’s Drake Relays in Iowa. The Panthers will send a squad of 23 athletes to compete in the historic event with the remaining group of EIU athletes slated to compete at the Illinois State meet on Saturday. 

The Panthers picked up another two OVC athlete of the week awards following last weekend’s split squad competition at the Vanderbilt Invite and the SIUE Gateway Classic. Caitlin Finnegan was named the OVC Female Track Athlete of the Week after a solid performance in the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles and on the 4x400 relay. Ian Winstonwas named the OVC Male Field Athlete of the Week after his record setting performance in the high jump. 

Currently three EIU athletes rank nationally in the top 30 entering the Drake Relays. Kandace Arnold enters the weekend ranked 17th in the shot put as she holds the school record in the shot put, discus and hammer. Ian Winston is ranked 20th in the high jump after clearing 7’0.50” last weekend to set the EIU record. Megan Gingerich is ranked 30th nationally in the 800m as she placed third in a fast field at Vanderbilt last week. Gingerich’s time of 2:07.55 is second all-time at EIU. 

The Panthers turned in several top performances last weekend including a record setting effort by the men’s 4x100 relay team that included Brandon Jelks, Jacob Mitchell, Zye Boey and Darren Patterson. That group’s time of 40.34 sits just outside the Top 30 nationally. 

Following weekend competition at Drake and Illinois State, EIU will be back in action April 30 and May 1 as the Panthers try to defend their OVC Championship titles at Tennessee Tech.