NORMAL, Ill. (April 2, 2021) – Senior Molly Reighard and junior Eran Siboni both climbed the program record boards to spearhead at the attack for the Loyola University Chicago track & field teams today at the Redbird Invitational in Normal, Ill.
 
"Solid day in frigid conditions down at Illinois State today," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer said.  "I thought the whole squad battled and we had some really strong performances.  The sprinters and hurdlers really shined, with Denee' (Lawrence) and Eran leading the way.  Michael (Papper) and Jevan (Terry) were really strong as well."
 
Competing in the 400m hurdles, Reighard, out of Minnetrista, Minn., clocked a time of 1:02.10 to earn a runner-up finish and move up to third all-time at Loyola in the event.  On the men's side of the 400m hurdles, fellow senior Vince DiVenere placed third in 53.77.
 
Siboni was terrific in the 200m dash, taking home the event title with a time of 21.28 that moves the Jerusalem, Israel product into a tie for fifth on the program's all-time outdoor record board.  Senior Michael Papper (4^th; 22.02) and freshman Jevan Terry (7^th; 22.07) also turned in strong efforts in the event for the Maroon & Gold.
 
Senior Denee' Lawrence led the way for Loyola's women's sprints crew.  Out of Ramstein, Germany, Lawrence came within two one-hundredths of a second of matching her 100m dash personal best, placing sixth in 12.08.  She went on to add a third-place finish (24.64) in the 200m dash.
 
Senior Derek Rink clocked a personal-best effort of his own in the 1,500m run, finishing fourth overall in 3:54.21.
 
In the field, junior Ilhame Tamrouti notched her second win in as many outings in the javelin, unleashing a top toss of 155-08 (47.44m).  Senior Tobi Alabi ascended to fourth all-time at Loyola in the triple jump, taking home a runner-up finish at 46-04.25 (14.13m).  In the women's triple jump, junior Sarah Olojo made her first appearance in well over a year, securing fourth place following a leap of 37-00.25 (11.28m).
 
"We didn't quite connect on any big ones in the jumps today, but I think we're close," Thurnhoffer continued.  "It's great to have Sarah going again and Tobi is regaining his form."
 
Loyola heads to Charleston, Ill. next weekend for the Big Blue Classic, April 9-10.