Women’s Indoor Track and Field Takes Third at Illinois Wesleyan

Published: April 13, 2021

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. The women's indoor track and fieldteam competed Saturday at Illinois Wesleyan and turned in several impressive results highlighted by two NCAA Division III qualifying marks, 17 NCCAA qualifying performances, and three school records. The womentook home the third place finish, challenging a field of 16 total teams with 50 overall points.

Headlining the ladies' day were performances by senior Rochaunda Harris, and junior Philita Johnson. Harris, who has already qualified for the NCAA Division III championships with her throw of 16.94 meters (55-7), continued the success of her early season senior campaign with another first place garnering toss of 55-11.75.

Johnson also qualified for the NCCA Division III championships with her effort of 58.15 seconds in the 400-meter dash.This mark shatters the old school record of 59.55 and earned Johnson a runner-up finish at the meet.

"Philita is real deal, and has the heritage to back that up," said head coach Brian Patton. "Her mother was a seven-time state championin high school, and Philita is certainly cut from that cloth. All she has to do is believe like she did on Saturday and she can be incredibly dominant."

Sophomore Aubree Schreder also turned in another key effort to help lead the Panthers to their third place finish. Schreder earned runner-up in the 3,000-meter run and set a new school record in the event with a finish time of 10.26.39.

The womenwill next compete at Jacksonville, Ill. in the Illinois College Dr. Jim Green Classic on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 11a.m.