CHICAGO (February 10, 2022) – The Loyola University Chicago track & field teams will have a final opportunity to make preparations for the postseason this weekend when they see action at both the Iowa State Classic in Ames, Iowa and GVSU Big Meet in Allendale, Mich.
 
Events at the Iowa State Classic will begin at 12 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, while a full Friday slate at the GVSU Big Meet is set to get underway at 8 a.m. (CT). Full meet schedules, along with links to watch live and live results, are located to the right.
 
The Ramblers are fresh off a terrific showing at the Meyo Invitational last weekend, posting 19 new personal-best marks across a two-day span. 
 
Leading the charge for the Maroon & Gold freshman Jason Clayton, who dazzled in his collegiate debut by running the fastest 3,000m run time by a Rambler since 1990, crossing in 8:03.39 to earn a runner-up finish.  For his efforts, Clayton was named the Missouri Valley Conference Male Track Athlete of the Week on Tuesday.
 
On the women's side of the 3,000m run, senior Kathleen Simms posted her second straight personal best in the event, checking in at 9:29.66 to ascend to second all-time in Rambler annals. 
 
In the sprinting events, freshman Cameron Woods enjoyed a breakout weekend, clocking the fifth fastest 60m dash time (6.92) in program history en route to advancing to the event final.  Sophomore Jayla Johnson notched her third 60m hurdles personal best of the year, racing through in 8.90.  Junior Ayoub El-Ashmawi also continued to add to a strong indoor season, posting new top times in both the 200m dash (22.22) and 400m dash (48.94).
 
Loyola will be idle next weekend before turning its attention to the 2022 Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships.  This year's edition of the league meet, slated for February 27-28, will be hosted at The Track & Field Center at Gately Park in Chicago, Ill.