NCAA

Thomas Becomes First Illini Pole Vaulter to Qualify for Nationals in Eight years

Thomas Becomes First Illini Pole Vaulter to Qualify for Nationals in Eight years


Full Results

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Fighting Illini women’s track and field team completed their first day of action at the NCAA West Preliminaries on Thursday, May 25. Men will finish out their competition on May 26 and the women will finish the following day, May 27. Sophomore Tori Thomas punched her ticket to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Austin, Texas tonight in the pole vault. She placed sixth and cleared 4.22m (13-10) to become the first Illini vaulter to qualify for Nationals since Stephanie Richartz in 2015.

Junior Olivia Howell advanced to Saturday’s 1500m quarterfinals by winning her heat, earning the automatic qualifying spot. She placed eighth overall with a time of 4:14.72.

Sophomore Tacoria Humphrey narrowly missed the top-12 cut for Nationals in the long jump. She placed 14th with a mark of 6.11m (20-0 1/2).

True freshman Mia Morello finished the pole vault in 18th place clearing 4.12m (13-6 1/4). Junior Kelsey Rothas finished 22nd in the same event and she cleared 3.97m (13-0 1/4).

True freshman Olivia Campbell finished 32nd in the hammer throw with a 58.11m (190-7) toss. Senior Tracy Towns placed 37th in the 800m (2:08.56).

NOTES

  • Tori Thomas placed sixth in the pole vault, 4.22m (13-10) to qualify for Nationals.
  • Olivia Howell won her 1500m heat, eighth overall, with a 4:14.72 to qualify for Saturday’s quarterfinals.
  • Tacoria Humphrey placed 14th in the long jump, 6.11m (20-0 1/2).
  • Olivia Campbell placed 32nd in the hammer throw, 58.11m (190-7).
  • Tracy Towns placed 37th in the 800m (2:08.56)

UP NEXT

The Illinois men’s team is set to finish out their NCAA Regionals tomorrow, May 26. Field events begin at 3 p.m. and track events begin at 7 p.m. CT, streaming is available on ESPN+.

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