The Illinois Springfield women's track and field team kicks off its outdoor season this weekend with back-to-back meets, starting at the WashU Distance Carnival Friday in St. Louis and continuing at the Millikin Big Blue Opener Saturday in Decatur.

Competition begins Friday at 11:00 a.m. and runs into the evening, with the 10,000-meter heats shifted from Thursday due to heat. UIS distance runners will compete throughout the day in the 5,000m and 10,000m events, taking advantage of ideal weather and early-season opportunities to post top marks. Mackenzie Billard, Marissa Roggensack, and Allison Thompson lead the charge in the 5,000m, while Josslyn Gaona takes on the 10,000m, looking to set the tone for a strong outdoor campaign.

Saturday, the Prairie Stars return North to Decatur for the Millikin Big Blue Opener, where the team will expand its event participation. UIS will be represented in the 400m by distance athletes including Madelyn Miller-Ross, Josslyn Gaona, Kaleigh Inniss, and Thompson, testing out faster, shorter races to build speed early in the season. The 800m features Kali Gaden, Marissa Roggensack, and Audrey Wagoner, while the 1500m sees Mackenzie Billard, Olivia Thomsen, Lauren McBride, and Ava Allison competing. Additionally, several underclassmen will make their outdoor debuts in the shot put.

With a full weekend of racing across multiple distances and events, the Prairie Stars aim to establish early momentum and gain valuable experience in both St. Louis and Decatur.

The Prairie Stars were voted 11th of 14 teams in the GLVC Preseason Poll for outdoor track & field.

Follow Along
Watch live at FloTrack for WashU or follow Millikin results online.