Illinois Wesleyan’s track and field team couldn’t catch up to their opponents from Washington University and the University of Chicago on January 25 at the I-55 Triangular Meet.
Seniors Angela Roman and Colin Orchard along with junior Ayana Blair pulled off impressive victories for the team in the weight throw and shot put competition.
“There are a lot of things that I’d like to improve on this season to continue the progress I have been making thus far. I hope to improve my technique and mental capacity as a competitor, keeping up with the work I’ve put in off the track, specifically in the weight room,” Blair said.
Blair finished first for shot put with a distance of 13.30 m claiming her second title this season.
Roman clinched the second-place spot for the shot put competition at 12.04 m above her competition from Washington University.
“Every day at practice, the throwers push each other to make physical and mental strides towards being the best competitor that we can be,” Roman said.
In the weight throw, Roman pulled off a powerful performance edging out her competition at 15.31 m with Blair following at 14.51 m.
“Despite the fact that I competed as an individual, I think what carried me through and helped me get to this point has been the entire throws squad and our throws coach, Karly Goodman,” Roman said.
The attitude from the throwers of powering through a tough meet extended to the men’s team as well as Orchard pulled off an impressive win over his competition finishing first in the weight throws competition at 16.40 m.
“Success in the recent meet was a combination of support from my teammates and knowing that I could compete and have confidence in myself to perform well,” Orchard said.
“As a captain, I hope that the team can continue having a fun culture, but also have a more serious mentality at practices and competitions,” Orchard said.
On the brink of finishing first, Orchard secured second place for IWU followed by his teammate Cole Paraday in third.
Other notable finishes for the day include Addison Bendery for second in the 60 m dash and Jake Mahaffey claiming second in the men’s high jump.
While the season has just begun for the Track and Field team the throwers are optimistic about the team’s success in future meets.
The Titans are away this weekend but will return on February 8 for their senior’s day in the Shirk Center.
“For the team this year, I’m certain that we can create an atmosphere of positivity and strength for our athletes. Space where we will not only support each other but also better ourselves, and I think we can break a few records, while we’re at it,” Roman said.