TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (May 7, 2021) – Sophomore Ayoub El-Ashmawi and freshman Miguel Abaitua both turned in impressive showings as the Loyola University Chicago track & field teams wrapped up the regular season portion of their outdoor schedule today at the Pacesetter Sports Invitational in Terre Haute, Ind.
 
"We had a solid tune-up at the Pacesetter Sports Invitational," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer stated.  "Miguel ran a nice race which, along with Ayoub, was one of the highlights.  Kevin (Szczepaniec) was solid in the triple jump.  We had one unfortunate injury to Jevan (Terry) in the 4x100m relay, which was tough, but, overall, next week is shaping up to be really exciting."
 
For the second time in as many weeks, El-Ashmawi clocked a 400m dash personal best, placing eighth overall with a time of 49.19 that unofficially ranks ninth on the Missouri Valley Conference leaderboard in the event.  Like El-Ashmawi, Abaitua, competing in the 800m run, recorded a personal best of his own, battling through in 1:53.02 to land eighth.  Sophomore Cameron Arkesteyn ran the top 1,500m run time of his collegiate career en route to victory, topping the final leaderboard at 4:04.94.
 
"Ayoub is getting faster and faster with every race," Loyola assistant coach Mircea Bogdan commented.  "It is great to see him back and racing well after the injury he had that set him back earlier this spring.  His form is great going into MVCs next week.  The same applies to Miguel.  He is rounding into form after missing a lot of training during the winter.  I'm very excited to see how he performs next week.  He is very confident right now and that means a lot for a runner."
 
Senior Molly Reighard narrowly missed out on a victory in the 400m hurdles, as she ran 1:03.91 to earn a runner-up finish.  Freshman Madi McLain also placed in the top five in the event, posting a time of 1:07.19 to land fifth overall.  On the men's side of the 400m hurdles, senior Vince DiVenere checked in fourth at 54.32.
 
In the 4x100m relay, senior Michael Papper, juniors Adam Clayton and Eran Siboni, and freshman Jevan Terry teamed up to turn in a time of 41.59 to finish sixth.
 
As has been the case in many weeks during the outdoor season, junior Ilhame Tamrouti highlighted Loyola's efforts in the field.  For the second straight week and fifth time this year, Tamrouti took home the javelin title, unleashing a top toss of 143-05 (43.71m).  Sophomore Kevin Szczepaniec used a season-best leap of 46-00.75 (14.04m) to take eighth in the triple jump, while freshman Melissa Parrella finished seventh in the long jump, reaching 18-04.50 (5.60m).
 
With its regular season slate now complete, Loyola will prepare for the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Carbondale, Ill., May 14-16.