April 15, 2007

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The Fighting Illini men's track and field team hosted the Illinois Invitational on Sunday, April 15 at the UI Track and Soccer Complex. This will be the only home outdoor track meet the Illini will host this year. Freshman Joey Hodges ran a 52.79 to win the 400m hurdles by nearly half a second over his closest competitor.

The Orange and Blue had three of the top-five places in the 800m with sophomore Lesiba Masheto leading the way in first, with a 1:52.82, beating the second-place runner by more than two seconds. Freshman Brian Beaird took third with a 1:55.36, while freshman Scott Phelps grabbed fourth in a 1:55.71.

In the 1500m the Illini were just as strong. Senior Jason Bill won the event in a 3:54.72, while freshman Jacob Nachel took second with a 3:56.39. Coming in fourth was senior Maceij Sniegorski with a 3:58.53. The Illini were unfortunately without one of their top distance runners, junior Trent Hoerr, who was suspended due to disciplinary reasons.

Senior Tim Kelly won the 5000m with a 15:29.70, while junior John Adamczyk and senior James Keller tied for second in pole vault with marks of 16'01.00". Junior Nick Brown took second in long jump with a 24'01.50". The Illini finished the day with the 4x400m relay, where they took second to SIU-Edwardsville with a 3:14.54. Members of the relay team included Hodges, senior Tramell Smith, junior Paul Johnson and Masheto.

"We had some solid performances today," head coach Wayne Angel said. "However, we still have to fix a few things before we are ready for the Big Ten Championships. But as a team, I feel that we're moving in the right direction."

The Illini return to action when they head to Lawrence, Kan to compete in the 80th annual Kansas Relays at Memorial Stadium.