Eastern Illinois University’s track and field team will send a select group of athletes to the Drake Relays, according to an announcement on Apr. 22. The Panthers are returning to this event after not participating in the 2025 season.
The competition is significant for Eastern Illinois University as it provides their athletes with an opportunity to compete against strong regional opponents and potentially improve their standings in NCAA rankings.
Three EIU athletes are currently ranked among the top 75 in the NCAA West Region for their respective events ahead of the weekend’s meet. Machi Nelson is ranked 42nd in men’s long jump, Shawn Lacy is placed at number 52 in men’s javelin, and Abby Venhaus holds the 62nd spot in women’s long jump.
The Panthers’ roster for the three-day event includes several male competitors such as Shawn Lacy (javelin, 4×100), Ayden Cothern (4×100), Israel Jackson (4×100), Maliek Bush (4×100, long jump), Machi Nelson (long jump, high jump), Enoch Appiah-Kubi (triple jump), Ike Logo (triple jump), Teegan Simmons (javelin), Gavin Snyder (pole vault), Nathan Kirby (110m hurdles) and Cale Smith (1500m). Female athletes scheduled to participate include Abby Venhaus (long jump, triple jump, 100m, 4×100 relay), Analena Peterson (100m, 4×100 relay), Annabelle Coudron (4×100 relay), Kenyetietta Quinn (4×100 relay, high jump), Layla Bonilla and Nevaeh Bryant both competing in triple jump, Angela Dobbins in high jump, Marco Reynolds in shot put, Rylea Borgic running steeplechase and Ashlyn Denney racing the 800 meters.
This participation marks a return for Eastern Illinois University at one of the region’s most recognized collegiate track meets. The team aims to build on its current athlete rankings during this competition.
