TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (April 16, 2021) – Junior Adam Clayton rolled to victory in the 200m dash as the Loyola University Chicago track & field teams got their weekend underway at the Gibson Invitational in Terre Haute, Ind. today.
 
"It was a strong first day at the Gibson Invitational," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer said.  "We caught some good weather and took advantage.  It was great to get Adam back on the track.  It was his fastest season opener and he made that win look easy.  Jevan (Terry) continued his rapid growth with a big 21.87.  It was nice to get Tyler (Elmore) and Joe (Reich) out there as well.  Ilhame (Tamrouti) had some technical issues with her plant leg, but she's putting together a big season.  Jayla (Johnson) and Madi (McLain) looked strong as well, with Jayla hitting a new personal best.  Looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow!"
 
Clayton led the charge for the Maroon & Gold today on the western edge of Indiana.  The Glasgow, Scotland native clocked a blistering 21.63 to top the leaderboard in the 200m dash, unofficially moving into a tie for sixth on the Missouri Valley Conference chart in the event in the process.  Freshman Jevan Terry continued the red-hot start to his outdoor campaign, finishing fifth in 21.87.
 
The freshman pairing of Jayla Johnson and Madi McLain represented Loyola on the women's side of the 200m dash.  Johnson clocked a personal-best 27.64 to land 44^th, while McLain was close behind at 28.19, checking in 47^th.
 
In the field, junior Ilhame Tamrouti, who enters the week atop the MVC's javelin leaderboard, took third in the event with a top toss of 153-08 (46.83m).
 
Senior Emmanuel Champagne highlighted the day for Loyola's distance crew at the Rick Erdmann Twilight in Richmond, Kent.  Out of Laval, Quebec, Canada, Champagne moved to fifth all-time at Loyola in the 3,000m steeplechase, coming through in 9:02.02 as he placed 19^th overall.  Fellow senior Miles Kanipe turned in a personal-best effort of his own in the event, finishing in 9:29.21 to take 21^st.  Senior Wes Heal was also impressive in The Bluegrass State, shaving nearly 11 seconds off his 5,000m run personal best as he crossed in 15:21.58 en route to placing fourth overall.  
 
"Every runner looks for a big breakthrough and today was that day for Emmanuel," Loyola assistant coach Mircea Bogdan commented.  "He came through with a huge personal best.  The race was set up perfectly and he looked great and comfortable over the barriers.  It was exciting to watch.  I'm so happy for him and the work he puts in day in and day out.  He deserves this.  Miles ran a solid race as well and is showing big improvements.  I'm really excited about our steeplechase crew and what they can do come the MVC meet."
 
Loyola concludes its stay at the Gibson Invitational and Rick Erdmann Twilight on Saturday.