University of Illinois
New Balance Invitational
Masheto Repeats as 500m Champion at New Balance Invitational
February 6, 2009 | Men's Track & Field
Feb. 6, 2009
NEW YORK - Illinois men's track and field senior Gakologelwang Masheto won the 500m for the second consecutive year, defeating some of the most elite college athletes in the country on Friday at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at the Armory Track and Field Center.
Masheto timed 1:02.11 in the race, running in the 11th and final heat and placing first in a field of 69 competitors. Steve Swern of Rutgers finished second in 1:02.72, with Long Island's Julius Mutekanga a close third in 1:02.75. Last year, Masheto set the NCAA record in the event by running a time of 1:00.82.
In other Illini action, junior Scott Phelps had a strong performance in the 1,000m in taking seventh with a time of 2:27.99. Illinois had three entrants in the 400m, with Hendrik Maartens leading the way. The freshman from South Africa finished 22nd out of 146 athletes, running a season-best time of 48.31. Sophomore Dan Jones took 38th, also notching a season-best time of 48.80. Sophomore Cody Wisslead timed 50.65 in placing 90th and also was 41st in the 60m hurdles trials (8.35).
The Orange and Blue are back in action at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational on Saturday, with the Illini 4x400m relay scheduled to race in the championship heat at 4:06 p.m. CT. Illinois is also scheduled to contest a 4x200m and 4x800m relay. Individuals competing tomorrow include Gary Miller in the 800m, Jacob Nachel in the 3,000m and Andrew Riley in the high jump.
