RIPON, Wis. — Illinois Tech Track & Field delivered a historic and unified performance at the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Indoor Championships, highlighted by the women's team recording the highest point total in program history. Contributions across sprints, distance, relays, field events, and multi-events reflected the team's depth and preparation, marking a major milestone in the continued growth of the program.
The women's team's 76 points marked a program record for the NACC Indoor Championships, and earned them a 4th place finish overall.
"I am extremely proud of our team for their growth and performances at the NACC Championships," said Head Coach Tyler McQuality. "Numerous school records, conference championships, all-conference performances, and a mark that is currently nationally qualified for Carson. Also, our women's program scored the most points ever at a NACC Championship, an incredible feat for them and a testament to their talent and hard work."
The performance was defined by collective execution, with athletes across every event group contributing to the historic result.
Sprint Group Sets the Tone
Illinois Tech's sprint squad played a key role in establishing momentum early in the meet, delivering scoring finishes and multiple additions to the program's all-time leaderboard.
Annaelle Mukash earned runner-up finishes in both the 60-meter dash and 200-meter dash, breaking her own school records with times of 7.87 and 25.87. Her performances strengthened Illinois Tech's position in both events and added valuable points to the team's total.
Zoe Turner added a conference championship in the 400-meter dash, winning the event in 58.56. Turner also earned a second-place spot on the record book in the 200 meters with a time of 25.93. Clara Pargett added to the team's depth in the 200 meters, moving into 10th place on the program's all-time list.
The women's 4x400-meter relay team of Mukash, Turner, Pullen, and Brettin combined for a strong performance, finishing in 4:13.02 and contributing critical points to the team's historic total.
"It was a tremendous weekend for our sprinters with personal bests from many athletes," said Sprints Coach Brendan Batliner. "The team showed up with a lot of energy and translated our months of preparation and hard work into results on the track. We are eager to get outdoors and continue our progress."
Distance Group Adds Championship and Record Performances
Illinois Tech's distance and middle-distance runners continued the team's momentum with championship success and record-breaking efforts.
Rachel Brettin captured a time of 5:15.88 in the mile, breaking her own school record and contributing key points to the team's score. Her performance reflected both individual progress and the strength of Illinois Tech's distance program.
In the 800 meters, Isabelle Pullen moved into seventh place all-time in program history with a time of 2:28.86, while Brianna Sorillo entered the top ten with a time of 2:31.38. The women's distance medley relay team, consisting of Halama, Pullen, Sorillo, and Brettin secured its place in program history, moving into third all-time and showing the group's continued development.
Field Events and Multi-Events Strengthen Team Performance
Illinois Tech's field event and multi-event athletes added important points and historic marks that further strengthened the overall team's performance.
Maria Plencner delivered a strong finish in the shot put, recording a throw of 10.70 meters to move into second place all-time in program history and contribute valuable points in the field events.
Annika McKown delivered one of the most significant multi-event performances in program history, moving into first place all-time in the pentathlon. She also ranks fifth all-time in the indoor long jump and added a scoring performance in the high jump, highlighting her versatility and consistency.
Together, the field and multi-event groups played an essential role in the team's balanced and historic scoring effort.
Illinois Tech Results Summary
- Women 60 Meter Dash — 2nd: Mukash, 7.87, 8 points
- Women 200 Meter Dash — 2nd: Mukash, 25.87, 8 points; 3rd: Turner, 25.93, 6 points
- Women 400 Meter Dash — 1st: Turner, 58.56, 10 points
- Women 4x400 Meter Relay — 2nd: 4:13.01, 8 points
- Women High Jump — 3rd: McKown, J1.54m, 6 points
Up Next
Women's Track & Field has completed their indoor season, and will be training for outdoor season, with their first meet scheduled for March 26th - 28th at the 1st Chance Invite at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.
