For the first time since 1983-84, the Illinois State women’s track and field team has won back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field titles, as the Redbirds claimed the 2019 MVC Women’s Outdoor Championship on Sunday afternoon.
After winning the 2018 MVC Outdoor Championship, the Redbird women defended what was theirs on Sunday, winning their seventh outdoor title in school history with a total of 191 points. Southern Illinois put up a strong fight and finished second with 176 points, while Indiana State placed third with 132.50 points. The Redbird women have now won four-consecutive team titles in the past two years between the indoor and outdoor seasons.
The Illinois State men battled hard on Sunday, fighting for every point in a race for second place that was decided by just two points. UNI ran away with the title, totaling 183.25 points, but second through fourth place was decided by a combined six points! The Redbirds ultimately finished second with 131.25 points, and Indiana State placed third with 129.25 points. Southern Illinois finished fourth with 125.50 points.
“You tend to just focus on the here and now, but you can’t help but celebrate all that we’ve accomplished this season and over the past two years,” said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Bovee. “We lost a little bit of our focus after the indoor season, and we’ve had to really rally these last few weeks to get this group thinking about another championship, but the athletes performed when they needed to the most. I’m extremely proud of our student-athletes on both sides and how they battled today and this weekend.”
Really Good ! Congratulations to the Redbird Teams.