COLLEGE STATION, Texas (May 29, 2021) – The junior pairing of Anneka Murrin and Claire Hengesbaugh both saw action as Loyola University Chicago closed out the NCAA Track & Field West Preliminary today at E.B. Cushing Stadium in College Station, Texas.
 
"It was a great weekend for the program," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer said.  "Plenty of great learning experiences for the group, some highs, a few lows, but a strong finish.  Really looking forward to Ilhame competing in Eugene two weeks from now!"
 
Murrin opened the day for the Maroon & Gold in the 1,500m run quarterfinals.  The Yarmouth, Maine native battled her way to a 21^st-place finish in the event, crossing in 4:20.84.  Today's showing wraps up a standout junior campaign for Murrin that saw her win Missouri Valley Conference individual titles in cross country and during both the indoor and outdoor track & field seasons.
 
Competing in the 5,000m run semifinal, Hengesbaugh, who was making her debut on the regional stage, clocked a time of 17:12.25, which saw the St. Charles, Ill. product land 39^th overall.
 
"Not quite the day that we were hoping for, but I couldn't be prouder of the seasons that Anneka and Claire were able to put together," Loyola associate head coach Alan Peterson added.  "The future is bright for both of them and I can't wait to be a part of that process."
 
The spotlight now shines on junior Ilhame Tamrouti, who will go after a national title in the javelin at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.  Action in the event is slated to get underway at 6:45 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, June 10 at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.