Results

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The Fighting Illini men's track and field team began the outdoor portion of its season at the UNLV Spring Invitational. The Illini had a number of strong performances in their season opener.

"It was a really nice opener to the outdoor season," said head coach Mike Turk. "We got some things done, especially in the events we don't contest indoors. It was very productive."

The Illini had strong showings in the field events, particularly from the throwers. Davis Fraker uncorked a toss of 63.15m (207' 2") in the hammer throw to run away with the event title. Similarly, in the discus, Brandon Noe cruised to a win, recording a throw of 52.94m (173' 8"). Ben Dodds also had a nice performance in the javelin, registering a heave of 65.03m (213' 4") to move up third on Illinois' all-time list.

"I am especially pleased with our long throws crew," explained Turk. "Davis was very good under tough conditions for the win in the hammer, Brandon was steady and consistent for the win in the discus and Ben threw a big personal best for a win in the javelin."

On the track, the 4x100m relay of Mo Maat, Brandon Stryganek, Cole Henderson and DJ Zahn cruised to a win in 40.03.

"Our 4x100 relay had a good first race," Turk continued. "I know they will run a lot faster, but the exchanges were steady and that's about all we can look for this early, especially since we ran two freshmen."

David Kendziera was a double winner for the Illini, taking home titles in the 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles. His time of 14.14 in the 110m hurdles easily outdistanced the field, as did his 51.61 in the 400m hurdles.

"Dave had a good day with wins in both hurdle races," Turk remarked. "He is building off of a great indoor season. He looked really good. He didn't run this fast last year until conference so that indicates big things ahead for him."

Stryganek won the 200m in 21.34, and Jonathan Wells won the long jump with a leap of 7.13m (23' 4.75").

"Brandon looked like his old self in the 200 with a solid, dominating performance," stated Turk. "Having him back in good form is huge for us. Jonathan also had a nice day. He stepped up for a win in the long jump and showed me he is on the verge of a big jump."

Distance runners Jannis Toepfer and Garrett Lee had strong showings in the season opener, as well. Toepfer cruised to a win in the 5,000m with a time of 14:22.73, while Lee finished second in his 3,000m steeplechase debut, posting a time of 9:46.89.

"The distance guys had tougher conditions and the competition level just wasn't there for them," said Turk. "Still, Jannis was dominant in winning the 5K and Garrett Lee showed some real potential in the steeple. His time wasn't great but watching him negotiate the barriers was encouraging. That's the toughest part."

Mitch Mammoser did not win his event, but his performance stood out to the coaching staff. He finished third in the pole vault with a personal-best clearance of 5.10m (16' 8.75").

"Mitch jumped very well in the pole vault with a new personal best," Turk concluded. "He is a gamer. He withstood a long day in the sun for a chance to vault and he capitalized. He will be over 17 feet soon."

The Illini will return to the Midwest next weekend for the Bill Cornell Spring Classic in Carbondale, Illinois.