Lincoln's Hilary Hobler begins collegiate career on top

Hobler takes 1st in long jump and 6th in 60-meter sprint 

[December 07, 2009]  NORMAL -- Hilary Hobler, a 2009 graduate of Lincoln Community High School, began her collegiate track and field career in style Saturday with a first-place finish in the long jump in her first collegiate competition. Hobler, who captured seventh and 11th places in the long jump in her two IHSA state final appearances, along with two sectional titles while at LCHS, is now a part of the Division I Illinois State University women's track program as a long jumper and a sprinter. 

In ISU's first indoor meet of the season, Hobler had a best jump of 5.26 meters (17 feet, 3.25 inches) to top all competitors. The victory gave Hobler her first collegiate victory. Hobler's fellow freshman teammates Jen Jenkins (Rochelle), Camille Edwards (Indianapolis) and Kendal Rush (Spring Valley Hall) took third, sixth and seventh places, respectively, in the event.  

ISU head coach Elvis Forde had recently noted a new level of excitement on the ISU women's track team this season, due in part to the incoming freshman class.

Prior to Saturday's meet Forde had spoken highly of the ISU freshmen. He said: "I feel assured that the motivation and excitement levels heading into the meet are where they are supposed to be, because we have brought in some freshmen with championship-caliber credentials that have brought a new attitude with them that has rubbed off on the rest of the team."

Forde was particularly interested in watching how the ISU jumpers would perform. "I'm keen to see what our freshmen in the jumps will do," he said. "Jen Jenkins, Kendall Rush and Hilary Hobler are three freshmen that come into the program to strengthen an area that we probably have struggled in the most over the past couple years. The expectations they bring to the program makes us a whole different team."

Hobler was also a finalist in the women's 60-meter dash on Saturday. In her preliminary heat she qualified for the finals with a personal record time of 8.07 seconds. In the finals, Hobler finished in 8.28 seconds to capture sixth place for ISU. ISU's Yomeaqua Brents, a junior, finished first in the event with a time of 7.61 seconds.

Forde's post-meet comments were equally glowing for the entire Redbird team. With ISU taking first-place finishes in 17 of the 28 events, Forde reflected on his hopes for this year's team.

"I've been here for eight years now and today was very special," he said. "Not so much for the wins in certain events, but for the effort that was put in by so many of the athletes today. It made me believe even more that we are going to have a very special track season."

The Redbirds will compete next on Jan. 16 at home against Missouri Valley Conference rival Indiana State University and then travel to the University of Indiana on Jan. 20.

[Text from file received]