June 11, 2011

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DES MOINES, Iowa - Senior Chantelle Groenewoud closed out her career as a second-team All-American following a 12th-place finish in the 3,000m steeplechase at the NCAA Championships. Groenewoud timed 10:22.59 in her final race as an Illini and earned the accolade for the first time in her career, becoming the first All-American in the event since Cassie Hunt in 2006.

"Chantelle has had a great career at Illinois, and I can't say enough about what she has meant to the program," distance coach Jeremy Rasmussen said. "It really meant a lot for her to make the final, and it showed her that she is strong enough to compete against those top athletes. She was a little disappointed with the race today, but her legs were a little tired after running a 10-second PR the other day. She will continue to improve and work on things to do some great things for Canada in the future."

Groenewoud, who competed at nationals for the third time, advanced to the final for the first time thanks to a 10-second personal best in the event. She clocked the second-fastest time in school history with a mark of 10:04.00 in the semifinal to earn a berth into Saturday's race.

"I was happy with becoming an All-American and running a PR in the semifinal at the national meet," Groenewoud said. "I was a little disappointed with the race today because it was slower, but I am pretty content overall with how the weekend went. Each year I competed at the national meet, I felt like I fit in more and more, so it felt great to race in the final in my last year."

As a team, the Illini scored one point at the NCAA Championships from Ashley Kelly in the 400m and tied for 66th overall. The Orange and Blue wrapped up the collegiate season over the weekend, but will send athletes to the USA Outdoor Championships from June 23-26.

Illinois Saturday Results at NCAA Championships

3,000m Steeplechase (FINAL)
12. Chantelle Groenewoud 10:22.59