URBANA-CHAMPAIGN – Milwaukee's men's and women's track & field teams wrapped up the second and final day of competition at the Illini Challenge today, winning a combined four events and reaching the podium in eight others.
 
Natalie Block continued her recent tear, winning the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.29 seconds and the 400m dash in 55.95 seconds. Golden Cotton won the men's 60m dash with a season best time of 6.80 seconds. Dominique Thomas grabbed the fourth Milwaukee win of the day in the 60m dash, crossing the line in 7.45 seconds to improve on her PR and move her up to second in the all-time program standings.
 
"Overall, the team keeps building each week," head coach Andrew Basler said. "Our middle distance women ran extremely well, highlighted by Anelise Egge's performance in the mile."
 
Egge was the runner up in the 1-mile run, crossing the line in 4:59.74. The sophomore's time earned her the seventh best time in Milwaukee history. Tabitha Wechlo followed last week's record-breaking performance in the shot put with a runner up finish and a mark of 13.76m.
 
Kynnedi Malone continued to impress in her first season as a Panther, placing second behind Block in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.64 seconds. On the men's side, Dane Nelson finished third in the 60m hurdles, crossing the line in 8.20 seconds.
 
Adaline Powell finished 0.21m out of second place in the triple jump, earning third with a distance of 11.98m. Zac Schmidt finished the 400m dash in 50.24 seconds, placing third.
 
Both of Milwaukee's 4x400 relay teams placed third in the meet. The women's team of Alexandria Simmons, Brooke Crosby, Leah Handshoe, and Katie Burns finished in 4:05.88, while the men's team of Schmidt, Zach Weitgenant, Caleb Henry, and EJ Kruse crossed the line with a time of 3:28.46.
 
"We are excited to stay in state next week for a day trip over to La Crosse," Basler continued. "We still have some athletes yet to compete in some events on the year, so we are looking forward to getting more marks on the conference list."
 
The Panthers next compete at the Mark Guthrie Legacy Invite hosted by La Crosse on February 3^rd.