WAUWATOSA, Wis. — Illinois Tech Track & Field closed out the 2026 NACC Outdoor Championships with one of the strongest performances in program history, highlighted by multiple conference titles, a school record, and a historic scoring effort on the women's side.
"I am incredibly proud of what our team showcased this weekend at the NACC Championships," said Head Coach Tyler McQuality. "The growth we demonstrated from the indoor to outdoor season was tremendous. Our women's team scoring 78 points marks the highest total in program history, and I could not be prouder of them."
The 78 points for the women's team helped lead the squad to a 4th-place finish in the women's competition, their highest NACC Outdoor Championship finish in program history.
The Scarlet Hawks saw standout performances across all event groups, led by Zoe Turner on the track and Olivia Jameson in the field.
Turner captured the conference title in the women's 400-meter dash, crossing the line in 58.39, and added a third-place finish in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.46. On the men's side, Carson Owens matched that success with a dominant win in the 400-meter dash in 48.23, while also contributing to the 4x100-meter relay team that placed sixth (43.64).
"Our Hawks should be proud of the effort and improvement they showed this past weekend," said Sprints Coach Brendan Batliner. "As we wrap up the season, there's a lot to build on moving forward — tech yeah!"
In the middle-distance events, Rachel Brettin led the way with a fourth-place finish in the 800-meter run (2:23.90), while Brianna Sorrillo added a seventh-place effort in 2:25.96. Brettin also contributed in the 1500 meters, placing fifth in 4:56.59, and Sophia Halama rounded out the distance group with an eighth-place finish in the 10,000 meters (41:13.41).
"Everyone's hard work over the past several months paid off with great results at the conference meet," said Distance Coach Val Lending. "Many of our athletes recorded personal bests to close out the season. Our women's team delivered a standout performance, scoring the most points in program history. I'm proud that this special group was able to finish the season on such a high note."
In the field events, Olivia Jameson claimed the conference championship in the women's high jump with a clearance of 1.62 meters, while Annika McKown added a third-place finish at 1.52 meters. McKown also played a key role in the Scarlet Hawks' success in the combined events, finishing second in the heptathlon, while Kailey Nicholas placed fifth. On the men's side, Finnick Poulin secured a sixth-place finish in the decathlon with 4,802 points.
The throws group was highlighted by a memorable performance from Isaiah John, who placed third in the men's hammer throw with a mark of 48.55 meters, setting a new school record in the process.
"Great work by the throws team at conference and throughout this season," said Throws Coach Lucas Taylor. "I'm proud of the work everyone has put in this year and the work ethic across the group. A special shoutout to our seniors — Finn, Ty, Isaiah, and Maria — for setting the standard for our underclassmen. Congrats to Isaiah on breaking the school record and finishing third in the conference in the hammer."
McQuality also emphasized the significance of the moment.
"Isaiah's final throw of his collegiate career to earn a spot on the podium will be one of the moments this weekend that stays with me throughout my coaching career," McQuality said.
The women's 4x400-meter relay team of Brettin, Isabelle Pullen, Sorrillo, and McKown added to the team's scoring effort with a runner-up finish in 4:11.87, helping solidify the record-setting team's total.
"A special shoutout to all of our seniors — Sophia, Olivia, Zoe, Rachel, Maria, Mason, Ty, Finn, Isaiah, Rishi, Ian, and Lane — thank you for everything you have done to help our program grow and flourish over the past four years," McQuality added. "We look forward to all that you accomplish moving forward."
Podium Finishes
- Women High Jump — Olivia Jameson, 1.62m; Annika McKown, 1.52m.
- Heptathlon: #4 Women 200 Meter Dash Heptathlon — Kailey Nicholas, 27.57; Annika McKown, 28.00.
- Heptathlon: #2 Women High Jump Heptathlon — Annika McKown, 1.60m.
- Heptathlon: #5 Women Long Jump Heptathlon — Kailey Nicholas, 5.11m; Annika McKown, 4.92m.
- Men Hammer Throw — Isaiah John, 48.55m.
Illinois Tech Results Summary
- Women 200 Meter Dash — 3rd, 25.46, 6 Points (Zoe Turner)
- Women 400 Meter Dash — 1st, 58.39, 10 Points (Zoe Turner)
- Women 800 Meter Run (Finals) — 4th, 2:23.90, 5 Points; 7th, 2:25.96, 2 Points (Rachel Brettin; Brianna Sorrillo)
- Women 4x400 Meter Relay — 2nd, 4:11.87, 8 Points (Rachel Brettin, Isabelle Pullen, Brianna Sorrillo, Annika McKown)
- Women High Jump — 1st, 1.62m, 10 Points; 3rd, 1.52m, 6 Points (Olivia Jameson; Annika McKown)
- Women Heptathlon — 2nd, 8 Points; 5th, 4 Points (Annika McKown; Kailey Nicholas)
- Men 400 Meter Dash — 1st, 48.23, 10 Points (Carson Owens)
- Men 4x100 Meter Relay — 6th, 43.64, 3 Points (Enoch Asare, Dezyre Burns, Ian Novak, Carson Owens)
- Men Hammer Throw — 3rd, 48.55m, 6 Points (Isaiah John)
- Men Decathlon — 6th, 4802 Points, 3 Points (Finnick Poulin)
Up Next
Illinois Tech will return to action on Friday, May 8, in Rock Island, IL at the Penultimate Qualifier hosted by Augustana College, as Carson Owens and Olivia Jameson look to secure NCAA-qualifying performances.
