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Theodore Cunningham

Track and Field Puts Up Strong Performances During Split-Squad Weekend

The Flames set a school record and 11 new top-10 marks.

2/16/2026 12:32:00 PM

CHICAGO – UIC track and field competed in its third split-squad weekend, sending athletes to the Grand Valley State University's Big Meet and the Blue Demon Alumni Classic hosted by DePaul University. Across the two meets, the Flames combined for 20 new personal bests, 11 top-10 all-time indoor performances and was highlighted by a new school record.

WOMEN

At Grand Valley State University's Big Meet, Isabela Garcia placed fifth in section 4 of the 5000m with a time of 17:52.16. Jadie Chavez placed 15th running in the same section and event in a time of 18:23.57.

At the Blue Demon Alumni Classic hosted by DePaul University, Korima Gonzalez had the highest finish by a Flame, placing ninth in the 800m with a time of 2:13.42. Carissa Uy and Emma Dubie each recorded 13th place finishes, with Uy placing in long jump with a mark of 11.02m, good for sixth best in UIC history, while Dubie placed in the 3000m with a time of 10:08.61.


MEN


At the Blue Demon Alumni Classic, the Flames were highlighted by Theodore Cunningham setting a school record in the mile with a time of 4:06.12 on his way to placing third. In the 3000m, Alex Bacci and Zac Close placed fifth and sixth with times of 8:19.77 and 8:21.77 respectively. The times were good for fourth and fifth best in UIC history for the event.

COACH'S COMMENTS

"Throughout both competitions we had several outstanding performances that should improve our event positions for the Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championship in a few weeks." said head coach Paul Zavala. "Also exciting to continue having our team reach new UIC Top 10 All-Time Performances and congratulations to Theo for another record-breaking performance in the Mile."

UP NEXT

UIC returns to action at the Alex Wilson Invite hosted by University of Notre Dame on Saturday, Feb. 21, hosted at the Loftus Sports Center in South Ben, Ind., with competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.

FOLLOW THE FLAMES

For more information on UIC track and field, visit UICFlames.com or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_XCTF or @UICFlames) and Instagram (@UIC_XCTF or @uicflames).

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