Southern Illinois Track and Field Set to Compete at MVC Indoor Championships

The Southern Illinois Salukis track and field team will compete at the Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championships, taking place March 1–2 at the Indiana Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Salukis have competed at the venue multiple times this season, potentially giving them an advantage as they pursue conference titles.

Events begin at 9 a.m. CT on Sunday and 10:30 a.m. CT on Monday. The championship meet will be broadcast on ESPN+, and Saluki Athletics will provide event updates and video coverage throughout the weekend on social media. SIU Athletics Live Events

Coach Jones Confident in Team’s Preparation

Head Coach Richard Jones expressed confidence in his team’s readiness. “Championships bring out the best in everyone. We are primed and ready to compete at a high level this weekend. Excited to witness how our men and women compete,” he said.

Key Athletes to Watch

Women’s 400 Meter

Leah Thames is the conference leader in the women’s 400 meter event, holding nearly a one-second advantage over Northern Iowa’s Emma Randecker.

Men’s 60 Meter

Donte Long and Monroe Thompson Jr. Are both ranked in the top ten in the MVC and are expected to contend for the gold medal.

Women’s 60 Meter

Courtney McDonald is currently eighth in the conference standings and aims to climb the podium.

Men’s 200 Meter

Shane Ashton (6th) and Donte Long (7th) are leading the charge, with Kwame Smith (9th) and Xavier Preston (10th) also in scoring position.

Women’s 200 Meter

Thames is ranked second in the MVC and is a strong contender for the conference title, although Trinity Cleaver is ranked eighth.

Men’s 400 Meter

Shane Ashton is currently ranked second in the conference. Kwame Smith (5th) and Donte Long (7th) add scoring depth.

60-Meter Hurdles

Christian Coleman is tied for first in the MVC, positioning himself as a top contender for gold.

Relay Teams to Watch

Men’s 4×400 Relay

The quartet of Kwame Smith, Xavier Preston, Christian Coleman, and Jalen Dickerson is ranked second in the conference.

Women’s 4×400 Relay

Leah Thames, Trinity Cleaver, Layla Watson, and Vashti Grey are ranked third in the MVC standings.

Men’s Distance Medley Relay

Ben Chance, Jalen Dickerson, Weston Jokerst, and Drew Twyman are also ranked third in the conference and are poised for a podium finish.

Field Events & Multi-Events

Men’s High Jump

Mason Watts is ranked seventh in the conference.

Women’s High Jump

Ella McDonnell is currently fifth in the MVC standings.

Men’s Triple Jump

Malik Allen leads the entire conference in the event, while Darius Fuller ranks sixth.

Women’s Triple Jump

Na’Kyrah Cooks ranks fifth in the conference after a first-place finish at SEMO.

Men’s Weight Throw

Dallas Hodge is fifth in the MVC.

Women’s Weight Throw

Halaya Woodson sits seventh in conference rankings.

Heptathlon

Jordan Smith ranks tenth entering the weekend competition.

Looking Ahead

Southern Illinois enters the championship weekend with multiple top three rankings and several conference leaders. If the Salukis capitalize on their familiarity with the Indiana Fairgrounds and perform well in key events, they could secure multiple podium finishes and potentially MVC titles. MVC Championship Information