LOUISVILLE, Kent. (April 23, 2021) – Led by personal-best showings from junior Adam Clayton and freshman Jevan Terry, the Ramblers' men's 200m dash crew enjoyed a successful day as the Loyola University Chicago track & field teams began competition at the Clark Wood Open in Louisville, Kent.
 
"Big day at Louisville today," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer stated.  "The 200m dash is an event we take a lot of pride in at Loyola and we've been having some tremendous workouts lately.  The guys showed up in a big way.  Adam was the lowest seed in the fastest heat and came in a close second in a loaded field.  He's set himself up to do something truly special over the next few weeks.  Jevan was unreal today and had a full-fledged breakout in 21.61.  Michael (Papper) and Joe (Reich) looked sharp as well.  Melissa (Parrella) returned to form with a nice leap and is really close to a big breakout jump once she gets the timing down.  Same for Lovie (Annafi) and Jana (Rokitta)."
 
Clayton and Terry were both tremendous today at Owsley B. Frazier Cardinal Park.  Clayton, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, ran a red-hot 21.42 to place second overall and climb to eighth all-time in program history.  Terry continued his rapid grown over the past few weeks, as the Marietta, Ga. product narrowly missed out on moving into the program's top 10, winning his heat in 21.61 en route to a sixth-place finish.  Seniors Michael Papper (27^th; 22.34) and Joe Reich (30^th; 22.98) also saw action for the Maroon & Gold in the event.
 
Freshman Melissa Parrella led the charge in the field for Loyola, hitting on a leap of 18-06.00 (5.64m) to check-in 21^st in the long jump.  Fellow freshman Lovie Annafi placed 28^th, reaching 16-10.75 (5.15m).  Over in the high jump, junior Jana Rokitta cleared 5-03.25 (1.61m) to earn a share of 15^th place.
 
Sophomore Timothy Harris turned in a personal best of his own in the 400m hurdles at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa.  For the second time in as many weeks, Harris recorded a new top time in the event, racing through in 54.35 to claim ninth place.  On the women's side of the event, senior Molly Reighard took 11^th in 1:03.60.  Junior Eran Siboni represented the Ramblers in a strong 400m dash field in which he placed 10^th overall in 48.74.

"Our long hurdles crew is getting better and better with each meet," Loyola assistant coach Mircea Bogdan said.  "It's so nice to see the youngsters stepping up to the plate and running fast times at an event like this with so much pressure.  Tim ran an amazing race and his future looks so bright.  His form is rounding up well.  Madi (McLain) held her composure so well today, and dropped her personal best even further.  Molly ran a solid race after missing some fitness in the last two weeks due to some minor health issues.  It's great to see her back and running solid.  This group has a bright future."
 
Loyola wraps up its weekend at both the Clark Wood Open and Drake Relays on Saturday.