East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University's track and field teams are preparing for their second competition at the University of Michigan this season. The teams will participate in the Michigan Invitational on Saturday, February 8, with field events starting at 10 a.m. and running events beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Fans can access live results and a live stream online, with a post-meet recap available on EMUEagles.com. Updates will also be shared on the team's social media platforms.

Reflecting on last year's performance at the Michigan Invitational, Eastern Michigan athletes achieved 15 personal bests and two top-10 program times in women's events. Paige Marchant ran the sixth-fastest indoor mile in school history, while Saraiah Walkes won the 200m race with the eighth-best time in program history.

In recent competitions, Shay Clemetson excelled by winning the pentathlon at the Jet's Pizza Invitational, while Samuel Jeffery placed second in the heptathlon. At Notre Dame's Meyo Invitational, Kian Wiles finished second in the open mile with a conference-leading time, and Marta Moreno set a personal best in the 3000m final.

The men's team currently holds 23 marks within the conference's top five rankings across various events. Similarly, the women's team has achieved 13 marks within their respective top five rankings.

According to USTFCCCA rankings, Eastern Michigan's women's team is rated as the best in their conference and ranks tenth regionally. The men's team is ranked second within their conference and twelfth regionally.

Upcoming challenges include defending their MAC title from last year as they aim for another victory this season. The Eagles have returned several former MAC champions to strengthen their roster.

New coaching appointments have been made ahead of this season, including Chris Best and Sterling Roberts as Directors of Cross Country/Track & Field. Austin Whitelaw and Nia Henderson join as new coaches specializing in distance running and throws respectively.

The Eagles' next competition will be at Grand Valley State's GVSU Big Meet on February 14.

For further updates on EMU cross country/track & field activities, visit EMUEagles.com or follow them on social media platforms using @EMUXC_TF.