COLLEGE STATION, Texas (May 27, 2021) – Junior Ilhame Tamrouti became just the second thrower in program history to secure a berth to the NCAA Outdoor Championships, highlighting a successful second day for Loyola University Chicago at the NCAA Track & Field West Preliminary in College Station, Texas.
 
"Incredible second day for the squad," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer said.  "Ilhame securing the 12^th and final qualifying spot was the stuff of legend.  She follows in the steps of Alison Szykowny as the second women's field event athlete to make the NCAA outdoor final.  Anneka ran an awesome race to secure her spot in Saturday's regional final, where she'll aim to finish in the top 12 of the remaining 24 runners.  It's been a fun weekend so far.  Looking forward to Saturday!"
 
Competing in the javelin, Tamrouti wasted no time in looking to lock up her spot at the NCAA Championships on a warm afternoon at E.B. Cushing Stadium where temperatures approached 90 degrees.  The Kampen, Netherlands native unleashed an opening toss of 164-00 (49.48m) to quickly move to the top of the leaderboard, before shattering her own school record for the second time this season with a mark of 166-06 (50.74m) on her second attempt.  That effort narrowly held up through the final flight of the day, earning the junior a 12^th-place finish and a trip to the Pacific Northwest in two weeks.
 
Today's performance from The Lone Star State has Tamrouti in rare company, putting her alongside Alison Szykowny (2015) as one of only two throwers in Rambler annals to qualify for the national outdoor meet.
 
"What an incredible day for Ilhame," Thurnhoffer commented.  "She came in confident, relaxed, and ready to compete.  I remember meeting with her in January and she said back then that this would be a special year.  Right off the bat, she threw a mark that would've gotten her to Eugene, then improved on her second attempt to take a commanding lead on the field and set a new school record.  We had to sweat it out through the third flight, and it came down to the wire with her holding on for the 12^th and final qualifying spot.  I can't imagine someone who has earned it more.  She's worked so hard for this, has been a leader on our team, and a source of energy for everyone on the squad.  She's dreamed of this moment and now it's come true.  Truly legendary."
 
On the track, junior Anneka Murrin advanced on in the 1,500m run.  Out of Yarmouth, Maine, Murrin placed seventh in her heat at 4:23.06, a time which ranked 22^nd overall on the day and secured her the final at-large berth to Saturday's quarterfinals.
 
"For Anneka to make the next round in her first regional appearance is a great accomplishment," Loyola associate head coach Alan Peterson stated.  "She competed hard and now gets the opportunity to do it again on Saturday, where anything can happen."
 
Junior Kathleen Simms wrapped up the night for the Ramblers in the 10,000m run semifinal.  The Louisville, Ky. product battled her way through the first 6,000m, running 20:54.98, but was forced to withdraw.

"Kathleen had a tough one today to close out what was otherwise a phenomenal year," Peterson added.  "She accomplished so much and is only getting started."
 
Loyola closes out competition at the NCAA West Preliminary on Saturday evening.  Murrin will lead things off for the Maroon & Gold at 5:45 p.m. in a quarterfinal-round heat of the 1,500m run, before returning to the track to run alongside fellow junior Claire Hengesbaugh in the 5,000m run semifinals at 8:30 p.m.