University of Illinois
Drake Relays
4x400m Relay Runs Regional Qualifying Mark at Drake Relays
April 27, 2007 | Men's Track & Field
April 27, 2007
Des Moines, Iowa - The Fighting Illini had a successful day two on Friday at the 98th Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa. The 4x400m relay highlighted the day with a regional qualifying time, while the 4x1600m relay picked up fourth place in the prestigious event and senior Bryan Pratt advanced to the 110m hurdle finals.
"We had a great day in terms of weather were able to take advantage and show some improvement," said Illini head coach Wayne Angel. "The 4x400 probably could have finished a little better, but we qualified for regionals which was one of the goals coming in. Also the 4x1600 relay ran well and Pratt did well in the highs and made it to finals."
The 4x400m relay of Lesiba Masheto, Tramell Smith, Joey Hodges and Adrian Walker ran a season best time of 3:09.31 to better the NCAA Regional qualifying mark of 3:10.0 and finished 10th to miss advancing to Saturday's final by just two places. Jared Richardson, Trent Hoerr, Jon Houseworth and Jason Bill teamed up to run 16:46.63 in the 4x1600m relay to take fourth place overall.
In the 110m hurdles, Pratt ran a solid time of 14.19 to finish seventh in the prelims and advance to tomorrow's final, while Joey Hodges tied his season best with a 14.75 in the highs.
Also turning in solid performances for the Orange and Blue were Nick Brown in the long jump, taking 11th with a leap of 23' 8.75" (7.23m), and the 4x800m relay of freshmen Brian Beaird, Scott Phelps, Mike Murray and Jared Richardson, which ran a 7:40.66 to take ninth.
After a busy day on Friday, even more action is on tap for Saturday, the final day of the three day competition. The Illini hurdle shuttle, Sprint Medley and Distance Medley relays will be in action, as will Greg Shroka in the high jump; Adrian Walker, Anthony Young and Joey Hodges in the 400m hurdles; Jon Houseworth and Maciej Sniegorski in the 3000m steeplechase; Brian Pratt in the 110m hurdles; Tramell Smith in the 800m and Lesiba Masheto in the special invitational 400m.
"I think we're moving in the right direction now and feel very positive about tomorrow," Angel said. "Masheto opened up with a 45.9 leadoff leg on the 4x400, so I think he's ready for tomorrow's 400m. Hopefully we can continue to show improvement."
A meet schedule, start lists and results for the Drake Relays can be found at drakerelays.com. Live streaming video of the event can be found at drakebroadcasting.com.
Illinois Drake Relays Results // Friday, April 27, 2007
Event Athlete Mark Place Note 4x100m Relay Prelim Bush, Pratt, Williams, Shogbuyi 42.92 20th 110m Hurdles Prelim Brian Pratt 14.19 7th Qualified for Saturday's Final 110m Hurdles Prelim Joey Hodges 14.75* 27th 4x1600m Relay Final Richardson,Hoerr,Houseworth,Nachel 16:46.63 4th 4x400m Relay Prelim Masheto, Smith, Hodges, Walker 3:09.31* 10th Regional Qualifying Time Long Jump Final Nick Brown 23'8.75" (7.23m) 11th 4x800m Relay Final Beaird, Phelps, Murray, Richardson 7:40.66 9th* Indicates Season Best Performance
