With last week's 2022 CCIW Outdoor Track & Field Championships now in the past, Wheaton track and field athletes are now competing at 'last chance meets' this week and next week for the purpose of earning a qualifying mark for 2022 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 26-28 in Geneva, Ohio. Wheaton sent representives to three events in recent days as Thunder athletes have competed at the University of St. Francis' (IL) 'Fighting Chance Meet' in Joliet, Illinois; North Central's 'Carius/Gregory Invitational' in Naperville; and the University of Mount Olive's Multi-Meet in Mount Olive, North Carolina. 

North Central's Carius Gregory Invitational 
Senior David Bradley (PICTURED ABOVE) cleared a height of 4.87-meters (15' 11-3/4") on Thursday in Naperville. Bradley, the 2022 CCIW Champion in the men's pole vault, is now ranked 11th in Division III thanks to Thursday's effort and is in strong position to earn selection to Nationals when they are announced next weekend. 

University of St. Francis' Fighting Chance Meet
Kevin Riley won the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase on Friday night in Joliet, coming off of last week's recognition as the 2022 CCIW Track Athlete of the Meet at the conference championship. His time of 9:02.80 is currently ranked third in Division III and will likely earn him a trip to Nationals. The men's 4X400-meter relay squad posted a strong time of 3:17.24 that is in the top 40 in Division III this year.

University of Mount Olive's Multi-Meet 
Junior Abi Gum traveled to North Carolina for an opportunity to compete in the women's heptathlon on Thursday and Friday. She made the most of the opportunity with 4,406 points - the fourth highest point total in school history in the event. Gum's effort is currently ranked 14th and is a strong candidate to earn her a selection to Nationals.