Huskies secure multiple top 5 finishes at Michael Johnson Invitational

NIU track & field sophomore Jasmijn Raes competes in the high jump at the Huskie Classic on May 3. Raes took second in the high jump at the Michael Johnson Invitational. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

By Aiyana Riley, Sports Reporter

Apr 30, 2026

NIU Track and Field competed at the Michael Johnson Invitational hosted by Baylor University on Saturday, bringing in multiple top-5 finishes.

Freshman Claire Helmila placed 9th in the 800-meter run, with a season-best time of 2:14:27. Sophomore Emma Curry made her outdoor debut for NIU, coming in 14th with a time of 2:15:84.

Graduate student Sarah Maggio won the 3000-meter steeplechase by more than 8 seconds, putting up a time of 11:09:84.

Coming in third place in the 5000-meter run was freshman Amelie Ojeda, with a time of 17:19:00.

Sophomore Jasmijn Raes continued her season success, coming in 2nd place in the high jump, clearing 1.70 meters on her second attempt.

Sophomore G’Nea Pitt earned 8th place in javelin throw with a distance of 36.52 meters.

With a result that was ranked #91 in the country at the time of completion, now #122, sophomore Precious Umukoro placed 4th in triple jump with a personal best distance of 12.52 meters.

Umukoro also took 10th place in the long jump with a distance of 5.67 meters.

UP NEXT

The Huskies return to action on May 8th for the annual Huskie Classic at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

About the Contributor

Aiyana Riley, Assistant Sports Editor

Aiyana Riley is a sophomore from Portage, Michigan, majoring in sport management with minors in sports journalism and sports sales. Outside of the Star, she enjoys watching basketball, doing carpentry and building model cars.