Bloomington, Ill., Dec. 2, 2017 – The Washington University in St. Louis track & field program's 2017-18 indoor season initiated Saturday evening at the Titan First Chance Race on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan.

The Bears combined for 18 top-three finishes during the season opener which included 12 top-three placements by the women and six by the men. Team scores were not kept for the season opener.

The WashU women dominated the 600m run as the Bears captured first through third place led by senior Annalise Wagner (1:37.11). Freshman Sophie Grigaux (1:39.27) and sophomore Sara Mesiano (1:40.98) followed the four-time Indoor Track & Field All-American.

Also placing first for the women was freshman Julia Dannenbaum as the newcomer cleared 3.55m in her opening collegiate competition.

The Bears men were led by senior Michael Billington's first place finish in the 300m (36.5), while he also combined efforts with junior Eddie Wintergalen, junior Sam LaSota and sophomore Jon Fleming for a first place effort in the 4x400m relay (3:25.00). Sophomore Greigory Dimailig placed third for the Bears in the 300m (36.84).

Top-Three Finishes

WOMEN

4x400m relay, Nicky Althoff, Anna Cossio, Sophie Grigaux, Annalise Wagner, 2^nd, 4:01.85

4x400m relay, Sara Mesiano, Elle Hansen, Rachel Novick, Briana Belfiore, 3^rd, 4:12.53

Nicky Althoff, 300m, 3^rd, 43.74

Elise Chao, Long jump, 2^nd, 5.19m

Elise Chao, Triple jump, 2^nd, 11.19m

Julia Dannenbaum, Pole vault, 1^st, 3.55m

Sophie Grigaux, 600m, 2^nd, 1:39.27

Sara Mesiano, 600m, 3^rd, 1:40.98

Heidi Nassos, Pole vault, 3^rd, 3.25m

Jay Pittman, 60m hurdles, 3^rd, 9.41

Annalise Wagner, 600m, 1^st, 1:37.11

Caira Watson Haynes, 60m hurdles, 2^nd, 9.10

MEN

4x400m relay, Michael Billington, Eddie Wintergalen, Sam LaSota, Jon Fleming, 1^st, 3:25.00

Michael Billington, 300m, 1^st, 36.50

Greigory Dimailig, 300m, 3^rd, 36.84

Thomas Gales, 600m, 3^rd, 1:24.43

Brandon Hutchison, Pole vault, 2^nd, 4.55m

Ezugo Onejeme, Triple jump, 3^rd, 13.62m