April 15, 2006
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -
After posting five regional marks during the first day of the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, Tenn., the No. 23 Fighting Illini returned to the track on Saturday for the final day of the 40th Annual Sea Ray Relays. The Illini concluded Saturday's competition with three more regional qualifying marks.
Head coach Gary Winckler was satisfied with how the weekend went and how his squad wrapped up the meet.
"Today was a little lighter work load for us," Winckler said. "Both our 4x400 and the 4x100 performed very well. The 4x400 went up against some very tough competition and came out with a good time. Our 4x100 is getting better. It's a relay that we are experimenting with, and it's working out well so far."
Both the Illinois 4x400-meter relay and the 4x100-meter relay finished third overall and capture regional qualifying marks.
The 4x400-meter relay of juniors Yvonne Mensah, Camile and Carlene Robinson and freshman Omoye Ugiagbe posted a 3:35.80 to finish behind relays from World Elite and Tennessee.
The 4x100-meter relay of sophomore Tiara Armstrong, Mensah, Ugiagbe and sophomore LaNeisha Waller posted a 45.44, just to be edged out by relays from South Carolina and Tennessee.
In her first steeplechase of the season, junior Cassie Hunt posted a regional qualifying time of 10:26.53 to place second overall.
"Cassie had a very solid performance in the steeplechase today," Winckler said. "It was her first time racing in the event this season, so it is a great start."
Winckler likes the position his team is in as the Illini head home to host the Illinois Invite next weekend and with the conference championships just being four weeks away.
"Getting ready for the conference meet is the one goal we have this time of year," Winckler said. "This weekend has given us a good idea of where we stand and what our strengths and weaknesses are."
The Illinois Invite takes place on Saturday, April 22 at the Illinois Track and Soccer Complex. The meet is set to start at 9 a.m. CT.
Complete results from the Sea Ray Relays can be found at www.utladyvols.com.
