BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's track and field teams will open their indoor slate as hosts of the Titan First Chance meet. The meet will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 inside the Shirk Center with a noon start time.

The current Illinois Wesleyan fan policy is as follows: fans are welcome, but must remain on the upper level, with the exception of specially authorized groups. 

The meet will feature a plethora of talent across all NCAA Divisions that includes Aurora University, Fontbonne University, Greenville University, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, Illinois College, Illinois Track Club, Maryville University (Mo.), Millikin University, Rhodes College, Saint Louis University, and Washington University in St. Louis. 

The women's team is set to return a number of key contributors from last year's team. 

Senior Emma Helferich (Monticello, Ill./Monticello) recorded the 23rd-best long jump distance in NCAA Division III with a mark of 5.45 meters at the Titan Tri Meet, March 6, 2021. Helferich posted indoor season-bests of 5.44 meters in long jump and 10.09 meters in triple jump.

Junior Addison Bendery (Chicago, Ill./Loyola-Academy) is looking to continue her success on the track after a dominant sophomore year. The Chicago, Ill. native earned United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches of America (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors. During the 2021 season, Bendery was named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin's "Track Athlete of the Week" twice. As a result, she notched three top-45 times in NCAA Division III. During the Titan Tri V meet, she ran the 200 meter race at a clip of 25.66 which was the seventh-fastest time in Division III. At the CCIW Elite meet March 13, 2021, her time of 7.77 seconds in the 60 meter race produced the ninth best time in Division III. In the 400 meter race at the Titan Tri III meet, she garnered the 42nd-best time with her 1:00.52 pace.

Sophomore Lauren Wong (Morton, Ill./Morton) saw success during her freshman season. Wong earned All-CCIW honors to go along with a top-20 finish in NCAA Division III in triple jump. At the CCIW Elite meet March 13, 2021, the Morton, Ill. native checked in with a distance of 11.30 meters to generate the 16th-best clip in Division III.

Adding to IWU's depth in jumps is junior Kinlee Miller (Tuscola, Ill./Tuscola), who produced a top-50 Division III triple jump distance at the Titan Tri V meet with her mark of 10.71 meters, to give her 48th. This effort garnered an All-CCIW selection.       

The men's team is poised to make noise this winter, with a mixture of several strong contributors and added newcomers. 

Senior Cole Paraday (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) garnered All-CCIW honors last season. The Frankfort, Ill. native posted season bests of 14.52 meters in shot put which generated the 37th-longest mark in NCAA Division III and 13.36 meters in weight throw.

Senior Davis Nguy (Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community) is coming off of an All-CCIW junior campaign. The Bloomington, Ill. native produced indoor season-bests of 9.72 in the 60 meter hurdles, 7.60 in the heptathlon 60 meter dash, 1.68 meters in high jump, 5.58 meters in long jump, 11.16 meters in shot put, 3.65 meters in pole vault, and 3:28.92 in the 4x400 meter relay. For the heptathlon at the Titan Tri V meet, Nguy's 3938 total points produced the 24th-highest point value for Division III.

Additionally, junior Keondre Schumacher (Bloomington, Ill./University High) is preparing for his first indoor season with the Green and White. The Bloomington, Ill. native posted outdoor season-bests of 10.93 in the 100 meter dash and 42.33 in the 4x100 meter relay in 2021. 

Sophomore Kade Murray (Watseka, Ill./Watseka Community) earned All-CCIW honors for the 2021 season. During his freshman year, Murray generated indoor season-bests of 54.74 in the 400 meter dash, 2:14.07 in the 800 meter run, and 3:28.92 in the 4x400 meter relay. 

Live results from the meet can be found by clicking here. Results will be posted to IWUsports.com upon the conclusion of the meet.

To stay up-to-date on all things IWU track and field be sure to follow the team on social media @IWU_XCTF on Twitter and @IllinoisWesleyanXCTF on Instagram.