July 16, 2007

WINDSOR, Ontario - Illinois incoming freshman Danelle Woods won the women's 3,000 meter steeplechase on Sunday at the Canadian Track and Field Championships. Woods broke the Canadian Championships record in the event previously held by head Illinois cross country coach and track and field assistant Karen Harvey. Woods won the event in 10 minutes, 17.24 seconds to edge out Harvey's previous record of 10:17.55 set in 1999.

This is Woods' second major championship of the month after winning the steeplechase at the 2007 Pan American Junior Championships the previous week.

"(Woods) just ran her personal-best time at the Pan American Junior Championships and then she ran in the senior championships and broke the meet record," Harvey said. "The girl is a talent, and she's having fun being in shape and winning. Obviously, we really look forward to having her join us in the fall."

Illinois alumna and 10-time All-American Perdita Felicien also was an event champion, winning her seventh Canadian national title. Felicien took the 100 hurdles in 12.50, her best time of the year.

Upcoming junior Omoye Ugiagbe placed in the finals of two events, taking fifth in the 400 (54.81) and seventh in the 200 (24.64).

Recent Illinois graduate and three-time All-American Yvonne Mensah placed sixth in the 100 meters, timing 11.89

Illini volunteer assistant Kevin Sullivan also competed at the Canadian Championships, placing second in the men's 1,500 (3:46.13).