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Miami places fifth in Illinois Twilight, travels for Drake Relays

Photo by Connor Moriarty, Photography Editor

By Harrison Schwartz, For The Miami Student

For the first time in 15 years, the Miami University men's track and field team competed in the Illinois Twilight at the University of Illinois this past weekend.

The Redhawks finished fifth overall with 65.5 points in a field represented consisted of mostly teams from Illinois. UI finished first with 247 points, Eastern Illinois University placed second with 125.5 points and Illinois State University finished third with 95.5 points.

Though the team did not return to Oxford until 3:30 a.m. the next day, men's head coach Warren Mandrell said he and the team enjoyed to trip to Illinois.

"It was a nice experience to run against teams that we normally don't play against, " said Mandrell. "It was a twilight meet so the meet didn't start until the evening. It was a positive experience for the guys to compete in. It was a lot of fun."

Sophomore Andrew Dusing finished third in the 1500-meter run with a 3:47.25 time, which Mandrell called "the highlight of the day." Dusing's time is his season best and the eight-fastest time in program history. Senior hurdler Sam Chester's 14.43 time in the 110-meter hurdles was also a season high. Chester placed fourth in the event.

Four Redhawks on the women's squad travel to the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa Wednesday.

Senior Anna Lamb, fresh off her first place finish in the 5k run at the All-Ohio Championship last weekend, is set to run the 5k. Junior Amelia Strickler rides her three-meet win streak into the shot put, while sophomore Martha Szekely is lined up to compete in the hammer throw. Junior Laura Bess represents Miami in the 1500-meter run.

Women's head coach Kelly Phillips said she is excited for her athletes to compete in such a large and famous event.

"The Drake Relays are the Mecca of track and field," Phillips said. "It is thrilling as an athlete. It's televised. There will be Olympic athletes competing and thousands of fans watching in the stands."

The meet begins Wednesday and the final rounds continue into Sunday.

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