NAPERVILLE — The final full weekend of January offered another meaningful checkpoint in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) women’s indoor track and field season. 

Veteran leadership, growing freshman impact and expanding depth across multiple event groups continued to define the league’s trajectory as teams sharpen performances ahead of the championship phase.
 
Vikings Ascendant: North Park Sweeps the Spotlight
North Park delivered one of the weekend’s most complete performances at the Aurora Grand Prix last Saturday, led by senior standouts who claimed both CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week honors. On the track, Riana Hayes controlled the sprint events, winning the 60-meter dash in 7.73 while finishing second in the 200 at 25.42. Her season-best 7.71 leads the CCIW and places her 19th nationally in Division III.
 
In the field, Julia Klein continued a steady run of record-setting performances in the pole vault. Klein cleared 3.81 meters to win the event, breaking her own school record for the second straight meet. The mark currently leads the conference and ranks ninth nationally.
 
Circle Stars: Carthage and Augustana Power the Field
Carthage and Augustana combined for several of the weekend’s most impactful field performances, particularly in the throws. At the Ripon Red Hawk Opener last Friday, Carthage’s Madison Payne and Lillian Townsend finished first and second in the shot put. Payne’s season-best 13.50 ranks sixth nationally, while Townsend’s 12.82 sits 16th in Division III. Jackie Tuzil added depth for the Firebirds with a personal-best 14.84 in the weight throw.
 
Augustana’s momentum continued at the Hilltop Invitational, where the Vikings secured the team title behind strong throwing and jumping performances. Charlotte Frere won the weight throw with a 15.26 mark, following a personal-best 15.60 earlier in the week that currently leads the CCIW. Freshman Jasmine Kenney added versatility, winning the 60-meter dash and placing second in the triple jump.
 
Depth and Distance: Millikin and IWU Surge on Saturday
Millikin and Illinois Wesleyan used Saturday meets to strengthen their conference positioning, particularly through depth-driven performances. At the IC Snow Bird Invite, Millikin swept the pole vault podium, led by Hailey Newill’s winning clearance of 3.25. The Big Blue also controlled the mile, with Brynn Behrmann and Teyla Wendt finishing first and second. Brooklynn Sweikar added a third-place finish in the 800 and continues to lead the CCIW in the mile at 5:11.85.
 
Illinois Wesleyan recorded 10 top-ten finishes at the Aurora Grand Prix, highlighted by Imani Ogunribido’s win in the triple jump. Her season-best 12.53 remains the top mark in the conference and keeps her firmly in the national conversation. Additional field success came from Gwendolyn Boettinger in the high jump, while the Titans’ 4x200 relay placed second in 1:46.08.
 
Pacing for Postseason: Statistical Leaders and the Road Ahead
As January closes, several conference leaders have emerged across event groups. North Central freshman Yakyra Wilder moved into second on the CCIW weight throw list with a winning mark of 15.32 at the Aurora Grand Prix. Teammates Dylan Moeller (3,000) and Lily Anderson (5,000) continue to pace the conference in distance events.
 
On the sprint side, Elmhurst’s Tiana Grady leads the league in the 200, while Carmela Woods holds the top time in the 400. With multiple athletes already positioned among conference and national leaders, the upcoming weekend will serve as another key measuring point.
 
Millikin travels to the ONU Invitational on Friday, Illinois Wesleyan hosts the Jason Dennis Memorial and a large contingent of CCIW programs will compete at the Squig Converse Invite. Augustana and Wheaton are set for the Windy City Rumble.