The Illinois State track and field team is set to launch the outdoor season by hosting the inaugural Joyce Morton-Kief Invite this weekend. The meet, honoring former head coach Joyce Morton-Kief for her substantial contributions to the program, begins with the hammer throw event on Friday at 2 p.m. CT. Over 10 schools will participate, with field events kicking off Saturday morning and track events starting at noon CT. Additionally, thirteen seniors will be recognized for their achievements during the meet.

By the Numbers
  • ISU women's team scored 142.5 points, while the men scored 151.5 points at the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championships.
  • The Redbirds won eight event titles and achieved a historic sweep of the top three positions in both the women's 60m hurdles and the men's 200m dash.
Yes, But

While the Redbirds are entering the outdoor season with momentum from their recent indoor success, the real test will be competing against a diverse field of schools. Other teams participating may bring competitive challenges that could impact ISU's early season performance.

State of Play
  • Seventeen teams, including notable programs like Illinois-Chicago, DePaul, and Northern Illinois, are attending the Joyce Morton-Kief Invite.
  • The Redbirds are looking to build on their strong finishes from the indoor championship while also recognizing their senior athletes on Saturday.
What's Next

Following the invite, the Redbirds aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for upcoming meets, potentially setting the stage for further success as the season progresses. Coach Jeff Bovee expressed optimism for the athletes' performance in the outdoor season.

Bottom Line

The inaugural Joyce Morton-Kief Invite not only marks the start of the outdoor season for Illinois State but also serves as a tribute to a pioneering figure in women's athletics. Expect spirited competition that may shape the trajectory of the season for the Redbirds.