May 17, 2007

Champaign, Ill. - University of Illinois head women's track & field coach Gary Winckler has been named Big Ten Outdoor Coach of the Year, following a vote by the league coaches. This is the sixth time that Winckler has earned the honor during the outdoor season. When coupled with his five indoor accolades, it marks the 11th time during his tenure at Illinois that he has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Winckler wins the award after directing Illinois to the 2007 Big Ten Outdoor Championship, held last weekend on the campus of Penn State. Illinois racked up 129 points, sharing the title with Michigan in the first tie in conference history. It was the sixth outdoor crown for Illinois under Winckler, as well as the 11th Big Ten title overall during his tenure.

In addition, Illinois had four athletes named first-team All-Big Ten while two were named second-team All-Big Ten. Yvonne Mensah was a first-team All-Big Ten selection after winning four titles at the Big Ten meet in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, triple jump and anchoring the UI's victorious 400-meter relay team. Other members of that relay squad who earned first-team honors were Tiara Armstrong, LaNeisha Waller and Carlene Robinson. Armstrong also was second in the 100m while Waller was runner-up in the 100m hurdles. Named second-team All-Big Ten were Camile Robinson and Omoye Ugiagbe. They ran on the 1600-meter relay team along with Carlene Robinson and Mensah that placed second at the conference meet. Camile Robinson was also named Illinois' sportsmanship honoree.