The Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships got underway on Thursday, May 9, from the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Malia Watkins (Upper Marlboro, Md./Missouri State) advanced to the final of the 200-meter dash in the only event contested by the Huskies on Thursday’s opening day of competition.
“Today was a great day,” said NIU Director of Track and Field Connie Teaberry. “The weather may not have been what it needed to be, as far as warmth, but all of the athletes that had an opportunity to compete and do some great things. We are excited to be hosting and are looking forward to the next two days.”
Watkins ran in the first of three heats in the prelims of the 200 meters, finishing fourth in what proved to be the fastest heat with a time of 23.97 seconds to qualify on time, eighth overall. Skylynn Blue ran in heat three of the 200 meters and finished 21st overall with a time of 25.07 seconds.
“Malia is a trooper,” said Teaberry. “We wish Skylynn could have finished a little bit better, but getting Malia into the finals will set us up for points on the board on Saturday.”
Akron leads the men’s team competition with 38 points through four events scored, Kent State is second with 36 points. Eastern Michigan leads the women’s standings with 22 points through three events, followed by Buffalo (21), Toledo (20) and Kent State (19).
Competition will resume on Friday, May 10, with the 110-meter hurdles in the decathlon at 11 a.m. The men’s shot put and long jump with begin the field events at 1 p.m. while running events will start with the men’s 110-meter hurdle prelims at 4:10 p.m. Tickets are available now by visiting NIUHuskies.com/tickets and will also be available at the gate.
Fans attending the track and field championships are asked to park in lot PS, directly north of the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. All Convocation Center parking lots, including lot C3, directly west of the complex, will be in use for NIU Commencement Ceremonies.
Team Standings Through Day One
Women
- Eastern Michigan, 22
- Buffalo, 21
- Toledo, 20
- Kent State, 19
- Ohio, 12
- Bowling Green, 10
- Akron, 8
- Miami, 5
Men
- Akron, 38
- Kent State, 36
- Eastern Michigan, 21
- Buffalo, 18
- Miami, 11
NIU Results
200-meter Dash Prelims
- Malia Watkins, 23.97q
- Skylynn Blue, 25.07