June 11, 2008

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Illinois women's track and field team opened competition at the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Wednesday, highlighted by sophomore Angela Bizzarri advancing to the 5,000m final. Senior Briana Cunningham and freshmen Danelle Woods and Chantelle Groenewoud also competed in the meet's opening day of competition at Drake Stadium.

Bizzarri timed 16 minutes, 48.67 (16:48.67) seconds in the second heat of the semifinals to post the fifth-fastest time of the day and automatically qualify for the event final. The first heat was much slower, with the top five times ranging from 17:23.14 to 17:28.64. The top six finishers in each of the two heats plus the next four best times advanced to the 5,000m final, which will be held Friday night at 9:15 p.m.

"After watching the first heat which went out really slow, we knew that (Bizzarri) only really needed to be in the top 10 to advance to finals," distance coach Jeremy Rasmussen said. "She went out strong and was in the fifth or sixth position the entire race knowing her focus was just to advance. I think she had to restrain herself from moving up more in the pack toward the end of the race, but she did a great job."

Woods and Groenewoud competed in the 3,000m steeplechase semifinals, with Woods just missing qualifying for finals as she was eighth in her heat and 15th overall with a time of 10:26.91. The top five finishers from each of the two heats plus the next four best times advanced to the final, with the 14th finisher clocking a time of 10:25.48. Groenewoud was 22nd overall in 10:48.38.

"Danelle is a little disappointed she didn't make the final, but she had a great year," Rasmussen said. "This is the longest season she's ever had from cross country to now and there is a lot both her and Chantelle can take from being a nationals. Next year when they get back here they'll have the experience and be a little more confident and calm. It's a great accomplishment for two freshmen to make nationals."

Cunningham concluded her Illinois career competing in round one of the 400m hurdles. The senior timed 59.94 to finish fourth in her heat and 22nd overall, failing to advance to the semifinals.

Illinois will continue competition at the NCAA Championships on Thursday, with senior LaaNeisha Waller scheduled to run in round one of the 100m hurdles at 4:30 p.m. and Aja Evans competing in the shot put beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Live results from the NCAA Championships are linked on fightingillini.com and can also be found on godrakebulldogs.com.

Illinois NCAA Championships Wednesday Results

5,000m Semifinals
9. Angela Bizzarri `16:48.67Q

3,000m Steeplechase Semifinals
15. Danelle Woods 10:26.91
22. Chantelle Groenewoud 10:48.38

400m Hurdles Round One
22. Briana Cunningham 59.94

Illinois Remaining Schedule

Thursday, June 12
4:30 p.m. Women's 100m Hurdles Round One (LaNeisha Waller)
7:15 p.m. Women's Shot Put Qualifying Round (Aja Evans)

Friday, June 13
7:55 p.m. Women's 100m Hurdles Semifinals
9:15 p.m. Women's 5,000m Final (Angela Bizzarri)

Saturday, June 14
1:30 p.m. Women's Shot Put Final
3:53 p.m. Women's 100m Hurdles Final