Chicago, IL - The Scarlet Hawk Track and Field team opened up the season this weekend at the University of Chicago Phoenix Invitational.  "It was a very early meet for us. Usually we are not racing until late January, but this year we decided to change things up", said Head Coach Calin Hantau, who was pleased with the performances that the Scarlet Hawks turned in over the weekend.

Taylor Schaub started the day for Illinois Tech with a 2^nd place finish in the High Jump. She cleared 1.54m and was just shy of setting a new personal best. "Although she hasn't jumped in almost 2 years, Taylor had a great start of the season. I'm sure that the hard work that she's putting in will pay off and she will have a good season ahead" noted Assistant Coach Kristina Jones.  

Sara Glade had a good return on the track as well.  Competing in the mile, she improved her personal best time by 20 seconds and came back later in the day with another strong performance in the 800m run.

Jaquelle Rowell and Venika Jarvis raced well in the sprinting events for Illinois Tech. Jarvis raced well in the 60m and 200m, while Rowell had a solid run in the 400m.

Joseph Yassin turned in two fine performances for the Scarlet Hawks. The sophomore from Barrington, IL finished 6^th in the Weight Throw and 2^nd in the Shot Put. "Just as most of our athletes, Joe wasn't able to get a lot of specific work in, over the past 3 to 4 weeks. It is very encouraging to see him throw so well this early in the year" mentioned Hantau.

Dolapo "Chris" Ogunsami was one of the busiest people on the track. The freshman ran in the 60m dash, 200m and one leg of the mile relay and posted some good performances.

Next meet for the Track & Field teams is the Iliana Invitational hosted by Lewis University, on January 16^th.