The UIS athletic department has announced the expansion of its track and field program by initiating a search for a full-time assistant coach for focus on sprints and jumps. The track program, which was added to the athletics portfolio in 2010, has focused on distance runners almost exclusively up to this point. 

UIS track & field runner Madelyn Miller-Ross competed in the fast heat of the women's 5,000 meters at the GVSU Holiday Open on Friday evening in Allendale, Mich., lining up against a strong Midwest field that included Hillsdale's Allison Kuzma and several Grand Valley State runners on their home track.

Illinois Springfield women's basketball (3-5, 1-2 GLVC) narrowly fell to McKendree (4-2, 2-1 GLVC), 68-66, at TRAC on Thursday night. The Prairie Stars trailed 56-48 entering the fourth quarter and mounted a late comeback effort that came up just short. McKendree jumped out to a 10-2 lead to start the game, but UIS responded out of the first timeout with increased pressure. Allysia McDaniel and Kayla Rice helped spark the rally, as McDaniel finished a layup and Rice added points at the free throw line while creating opportunities for teammates.

Illinois Springfield men's basketball (6-2, 3-0 GLVC) secured a narrow 63-58 victory over McKendree (5-2, 1-1 GLVC) on Thursday night at TRAC. The Prairie Stars knocked down 13 three-pointers and led for more than 26 minutes in the tightly contested conference matchup.