March 10, 2012

Final NCAA Results

FloTrack Interview of Andrew Riley

NAMPA, Idaho. - Senior Andrew Riley posted two top-four finishes at the NCAA Indoor Championships, finishing second in the 60m and fourth in the 60m hurdles. Riley scored 13 team points for the Illini, who finished 13th at nationals, the highest indoor finish by an Illinois squad since 1995 (T-4th).

Riley took the runner-up spot in the 60m with a new school record mark of 6.57, one-hundredth of a second behind returning NCAA champion Jeff Demps from Florida. After setting a Jacksons Indoor Track facility record in the prelims of the 60m hurdles yesterday, the Kingston, Jamaica, native took fourth in the 60m hurdles final, finishing in a time of 7.58.

"Andrew is obviously disappointed with his finish in the hurdles," head coach Mike Turk said. "I feel bad for him because I know how hard he has worked to prepare. He has done everything right and deserves a reward for his effort. These are super talented athletes and they work hard too."

"I think I was running off the other guys race," Riley said. "I hit the final hurdle and wasn't focused enough. I have to put this behind me and focus on the outdoor championships."

The new school record in the 60m marks the fifth time this season Riley has set the fastest time in the record books in the event. He earned first-team All-America honors for the finishes on Saturday and is now a nine-time All-American.

"I've always wanted to win that race," Riley said. "I was almost there. However, this was my first time running the event at the NCAA's, so to finish in second place, I'm happy with that."

Syracuse's Jarret Eaton won the national title in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.54 while Florida's Jeff Demps took home the 60m dash crown with a mark of 6.56.

"I am so proud of him for his performances," Turk said. "His finish in the 60m was awesome. To do what he did with a personal best just 40 minutes after the disappointing hurdles race, showed great character. I know it was tough for him to gather his composure and refocus. What a comeback."

Up Next: Illinois will have a week off before beginning the outdoor season at the Big Ten vs. SEC Challenge on Saturday, March 23 in Starkville, Miss.

NCAA Finals in the 60m Hurdles
1. Jarret Eaton, Syracuse - 7.54
2. Devon Hill, Miami - 7.55
3. Barrett Nugent, LSU - 7.55
4. Andrew Riley, Illinois - 7.58
5. Spencer Adams, Clemson - 7.60
6. Caleb Cross, Arkansas - 7.70
7. Wayne Davis II, Texas A&M - 7.70
8. Eddie Lovett, Florida - 7.72

NCAA Finals in the 60m
1. Jeff Demps, Florida - 6.56
2. Andrew Riley, Illinois - 6.57*
3. Kemar Hyman, Florida State - 6.59
4. Reggie Dixon, Hampton - 6.60
5. Clayton Vaughn, UT-Arlington - 6.61
6. Maurice Mitchell, Florida State - 6.62
7. Isiah Young, Mississippi - 6.63
8. Keenan Brock, Auburn - 6.65

*School Record