Beavers Open Indoor Season With Record-Breaking Performances at Titan Opener
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Blackburn College track and field programs opened the 2025-2026 indoor season at the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Opener, finishing with 10 new school records and several notable early-season performances.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Blackburn College track and field programs opened the 2025-2026 indoor season at the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Opener, finishing with 10 new school records and several notable early-season performances.
The women's team featured a large freshman class making its indoor debut.
Freshman sprinter Maya Bennett broke the program records in both the 60 meters and 200 meters, running 8.77 and 29.97. Freshman Sophia Palmier set new school records in the high jump at 1.40 meters and the 800 meters at 2:52.46, where she finished third overall. In the throws, freshman Hunter Kirk recorded a new school record in the shot put at 8.97 meters.
Freshman Mary Ahrens competed in the mile, running solo in her section, while freshmen Kaitlyn Garland and Kirk added performances in the 800. Bennett doubled in the 60 and 200, and Bennett and Kirk joined a group of first-year athletes gaining their first experience on the indoor track.
Blackburn's early-season results included 10 total school records:
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Women's 60m: Bennett, 8.77
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Women's 200m: Bennett, 29.97
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Women's 800m: Palmier, 2:52.46
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Women's High Jump: Palmier, 1.40m
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Women's Shot Put: Kirk, 8.97m
Blackburn will return to competition in January as the indoor season continues at the Illinois College Snow Bird.
