Chippewa Track & Field Sets Six All-Time Records at Invitationals

Central Michigan athletes excel at Wake Forest Invitational and Gina Relays

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a track and field competition, with overlapping planes of maroon and gold colors representing the Central Michigan team's colors and energy.Central Michigan's track and field team shatters records, showcasing the program's rising talent and potential.Mount Pleasant Today

The Central Michigan University track and field team had a standout performance at the Wake Forest Invitational and Gina Relays, setting six all-time program records. Several Chippewa runners and field athletes earned personal bests and top-10 finishes in their respective events.

Why it matters

This strong showing by the Central Michigan track and field team demonstrates the program's continued growth and development. Setting multiple all-time records highlights the talent and hard work of the Chippewa athletes, which could lead to greater success and recognition for the program going forward.

The details

At the Wake Forest Invitational, Maya Guikema posted the fourth-best 1500m time in program history at 4:27.72, while Eva Thompson set a personal best of 4:32.63 in the same event. At the Gina Relays, Victoria Merrick recorded the third-best discus throw (49.81m) and Emily McLean set the sixth-best shot put (14.47m) in Central Michigan history. Other top performances included Linnearia Richards' fifth-best 100m hurdles time (13.77) and Sophia Garland's second-fastest 100m dash (11.70).

  • The Wake Forest Invitational and Gina Relays took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • Central Michigan will continue competition at the Gina Relays on Saturday, April 18, 2026 starting at noon.

The players

Jenny Swieton

Central Michigan Director of Track & Field

Maya Guikema

Central Michigan track and field athlete who set the fourth-best 1500m time in program history

Victoria Merrick

Central Michigan track and field athlete who recorded the third-best discus throw in program history

Emily McLean

Central Michigan track and field athlete who set the sixth-best shot put in program history

Linnearia Richards

Central Michigan track and field athlete who posted the fifth-fastest 100m hurdles time in program history

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What they’re saying

“We love life and life loves us, Central Michigan Director of Track & Field Jenny Swieton said, I'm super proud of everybody who competed today. We're definitely moving in the right direction.”

— Jenny Swieton, Central Michigan Director of Track & Field

What’s next

Central Michigan Track & Field will begin the final day of competition at the Gina Relays on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at noon.

The takeaway

The Central Michigan track and field team's impressive performance at the Wake Forest Invitational and Gina Relays, setting six all-time program records, demonstrates the continued growth and development of the Chippewa program. This success could lead to greater recognition and future achievements for the team.