Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College women's track and field team has been ranked fifth in the Midwest Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league. The Lady Blues secured 39 points in the poll, with Ripon College taking the top spot with 63 points.

Returning for Illinois College are eight all-conference athletes from last season: Deja Anderson, Maddie Benson, Haley Garrett, Fynesse Jones, Brooke Oakley, Mady Salisbury, Apiphany Patterson, and Aleese Trimingham.

The upcoming track and field season will kick off with indoor events starting on Friday, December 6. Five of the nine teams will compete over the weekend. The 2025 MWC Indoor Track & Field Championships are scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 1 at Monmouth College.

Outdoor competitions are set to begin on March 14 and will conclude with the 2025 MWC Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Lawrence University on May 9 and May 10.

Here are the full results of the preseason poll:

1. Ripon College (7) – 63 points

T2. Grinnell College (1) – 50 points

T2. Monmouth College (1) – 50 points

4. Cornell College – 44 points

5. Illinois College – 39 points

6. Lawrence University – 28 points

7. Beloit College – 25 points

8. Knox College – 15 points

9. Lake Forest College – 10 points

(Note: Numbers in parentheses indicate first-place votes.)