Illini Depth Leads to Victory at Jim Click Shootout

Men's Track & Field April 11, 2015

Illini Depth Leads to Victory at Jim Click Shootout

April 11, 2015

Results

TUCSON, Ariz. - The Fighting Illini men's track and field team scored 181 points en route to a victory at the Jim Click Shootout on Saturday. In a field that included LSU and USC, the fourth- and fifth-ranked teams in the USTFCCCA National Computer Rankings, the Orange and Blue scored points in 17 events, outdistancing the Tigers in the team race by 21 points. The win marks the third for Illinois in as many meets during the outdoor season.

"Obviously, we are pleased with the outcome of the team scores," said head coach Mike Turk. "It was a great team effort. I'm really happy with the focus and competitiveness we showed."

Davis Fraker produced the highlight of the day for the Illini, topping his own school record in the hammer throw. Fraker finished runner-up in the competition with a throw of 65.36m (214' 5"), besting his previous mark of 63.60m (207' 8"). His new personal-best has him ranked 14th in the NCAA this season.

"Davis is putting together an outdoor season much like his indoor season," noted Turk. "He has put together good results but he has so much more that he is capable of later in the season. If he remains patient and keeps working, really big things will happen."

In total, Illinois came away from Saturday's competition with seven first-place finishes. Four of the victories came from the middle distance and distance groups.

In the middle-distance events, Joe McAsey broke the tape in the 800m in 1:50.09. Malik Lee also scored in the event, finishing sixth in personal-best time of 1:52.36. Garrett Lee was also victorious, claiming the 1,500m after clocking 3:52.13.

In the 3,000m, a total of five Illini scored team points, led by event-winner Ian Barnett. Barnett won with a time of 8:26.09, while teammate Dylan Lafond earned runner-up honors with a performance of 8:28.88. Jannis Toepfer (8:41.61), G. Lee (8:51.79) and Brendan McDonnell (8:52.54) finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

In addition to his fourth-place finish in the 3,000m, Toepfer added a victory in the 3,000m steeplechase, cruising to a 9:15.83 finish.

"Joe, Garrett, Jannis and Ian all pulled event wins that were instrumental in our team win today," proclaimed Turk. "The times aren't great but they all ran very well. They stuck to the plan, competed well and got the results we needed."

Cam Viney produced the only event win for the Orange and Blue in the sprints, taking the crown in the 400m hurdles with a career-best time of 49.92. That performance moves him up to third on Illinois' all-time list and has him ranked fifth in the NCAA this season. Fellow Illini David Kendziera was hot on Viney's heels, finishing second in a personal-best time of 50.66. That performance moves Kendziera into 11th in the NCAA this year.

"Cam and Dave were super today," exclaimed Turk. "They are quite the one-two punch. Dave has been so consistent and ran a fine personal-best from the outside lane. I know Cam wasn't happy with his performances last weekend, but he showed up with better focus and ran very determined. It was a big breakthrough for him to get under 50."

The final two Illini victories came from Jonathan Wells and Ben Dodds. Wells won the high jump with a clearance of 2.16m (7' 1"), while Dodds took the javelin title with a personal-best throw of 65.64m (215' 4").

"I'm really proud of the progress Ben is making, especially as a competitor," Turk stated. "I know he really wanted to win. He stayed within himself, was dialed in on his technique, executed well and opened up with a big throw. Two meets in a row over 65m is very encouraging for what lies ahead."

As demonstrated by the No. 6 ranking in the Track & Field News dual meet rankings, it was the depth of Illinois that proved to be the difference in the team race, as the Illini scored in all but two events.

In the 100m, Mo Maat and Brandon Stryganek finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Maat crossed the line in 10.47, while Stryganek was right behind him at 10.57.

In the 400m, DJ Zahn earned runner-up honors with a 45.70 showing. That time is the third-best in the NCAA this season.

"Darrell's performance may go overlooked but it shouldn't," Turk explained "Yes, he finished second in the 400m, but he still ran 45.70. The impressive part is that he did that just 20 minutes after anchoring the 4x100m relay. He needed to get a good time and he accomplished the mission. Now we can continue to focus on preparation for the championship season."

Viney added a second-place finish in the 110m hurdles to his victory in the 400m hurdles, clocking 14.05. That performance ties him for 25th in the NCAA this season. Kendziera (14.22) and Wells (14.66) came in fourth and sixth, respectively. Wells' time is a new personal-best.

Both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays came away with top-three finishes. Maat, Stryganek, Cole Henderson and Zahn teamed up to cover on lap around the track in 39.56, finishing second with fourth-fastest time in school history. That time is also good for ninth in the NCAA this year. Viney, Kendziera, McAsey and Zahn finished third 1600m relay, clocking 3:07.31.

"I'm pumped with the progress we are making in the 4x100m relay," continued Turk. "With this performance, it marks six years in a row that we have run under 40 seconds. We've been able to sustain a level of excellence from the 2010 team that set the all-time conference record. Some of that is talent, but much of it is programmatic."

Pole-vaulters Mitch Mammoser and Blaze Galardy took second and fourth, respectively, with clearances of 5.00m (16' 4.75") and 4.80m (15' 9"). Wells and Henderson also finished second and fourth in the long jump, leaping 7.40m (24' 3.50") and 6.83m (22' 5"), respectively. Parker Deloye added a fourth-place finish in the high jump, clearing a personal-best of 2.00m (6' 6.75").

In the throws, Brandon Noe came away with a third-place showing in the discus, registering a heave of 52.74m (173' 0"). Aaron Wilks took third in the javelin, uncorking a throw of 59.76m (196' 1").

The Fighting Illini will look to win their fourth meet title of the outdoor season when they host the Illinois Twilight on Saturday, April 18 at the University of Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium. Action begins at noon with field events, while running events are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

Illini Point Scorers

100m
5. Mo Maat - 10.47
6. Brandon Stryganek - 10.57

400m
2. DJ Zahn - 45.70

800m
1. Joe McAsey - 1:50.09
6. Malik Lee - 1:52.36

1,500m
1. Garrett Lee - 3:52.13

3,000m
1. Ian Barnett - 8:26.29
2. Dylan Lafond - 8:28.88
4. Jannis Toepfer - 8:41.61
5. Garrett Lee - 8:51.79
6. Brendan McDonnell - 8:52.54