June 10, 2011

Results

DES MOINES, Iowa - On Friday night at the NCAA Championships, junior Ashley Kelly notched her first career first-team All-America honors after competing in the 400m final and placing eighth with a time of 53.64. Kelly is the first Illini All-American in the event in 22 years since Celena Mondie-Milner in 1989.

"Ashley had an excellent national meet," head coach Tonja Buford-Bailey said. "This was her first time in the national final, so it took a little time to get comfortable with that, but she still ran a good race. She really competed well on that first day and raced well enough to get her first All-America honors. She will be even better next year and more comfortable running against that competition."

Running on the rain-drenched blue oval at Drake Stadium in lane one, Kelly scored the first team point for the Illini with her finish. The Tortola, British Virgin Islands, native earned a spot in the final on Wednesday with a personal-best time of 52.71. The junior twice broke the 53-second mark this season.

"I really worked hard this season, so it really meant a lot to me to earn All-America honors," Kelly said. "I was 26th in the region heading into the preliminary round and then came out as an All-American, so I am extremely happy right now. I didn't run my best race today, but it happens, and I will just continue to try to get better for next year."

Illinois will wrap up competition at nationals on Saturday, with senior Chantelle Groenewoud in the final of the 3,000m steeplechase at 12:54 p.m., which will be televised live by CBS. Full results and a recap can be found on fightingillini.com, and live updates will be made at twitter.com/IlliniTrackXC.

Illinois Friday Results at NCAA Championships

400m (FINAL)
8. Ashley Kelly 53.64; 1 team point

Illinois Remaining Schedule at the NCAA Championships
All times Central

Saturday, June 11
12:54 p.m. 3,000m Steeplechase Final (Chantelle Groenewoud)