TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (February 13, 2021) – The Loyola University Chicago track & field teams wrapped up the opening weekend of their 2021 indoor schedule today, competing at the Indiana State Invitational in Terre Haute, Ind.
 
"It was almost surreal to be competing again after about 50 weeks since our last track meet," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer commented.  "Despite that, I was really encouraged by the work we got in today.  I loved the energy, perseverance, and determination the group showed."
 
The pairing of senior Denee' Lawrence and junior Adam Clayton led the attack for the Rambler sprinters.  Out of Ramstein, Germany, Lawrence earned a pair of top-five finishes, taking second in the 60m dash in 7.91, before running 25.93 to place fourth in the 200m dash.  Clayton impressed as well, finishing fifth in the 400m dash in 51.56.  The Glasgow, Scotland native also qualified for the 60m dash final, clocking in at 7.03.  Senior Michael Papper went on to represent the Maroon & Gold in the finals of the event, taking sixth in 7.20 ahead of an eight-place finish (23.08) in the 200m dash final.
 
"Denee' was outstanding finishing runner-up in the 60m dash today," Thurnhoffer continued.  "She's ready to be a contender in the MVC.  I thought Adam had a great opener as well, stepping out of his comfort zone up to the 400m dash to prepare for the 200m dash down the road.  Pap showed a lot of promise in the 200m dash as well.  I think he could be a surprise performer in that moving forward."
 
Freshman Lovie Annafi wasted little time in etching her name into the Loyola record books.  The Chicago, Ill. product registered a top leap of 37-02.50 (11.34m) to move to ninth all-time in Rambler annals in the triple jump, earning a third-place finish in the event.  On the men's side of the triple jump, senior Tobi Alabi (45-07.00; 13.89m) and sophomore Kevin Szczepaniec (44-06.00; 13.56m) took second and third, respectively.  Szczepaniec also collected a fourth-place finish (21-10.25; 6.66m) in the long jump.
 
"It was fun to get Lovie, Tobi, and Kevin going in the jumps," Thurnhoffer concluded.  "I feel great about where we're at and all the training and development that's ahead.  It's so great to be back competing.  Spirits were up and we know where we're at and what we need to work on moving forward.  Looking forward to GVSU next week!"
 
Loyola visits Allendale, Mich. on Friday, February 19 for the GVSU Tune-Up.