EUGENE, Ore. – The Fighting Illini men's track and field team concluded competition at the 2015 United States Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday afternoon. Illinois had nine competitors take part in the championships from over the course of three days.
The action began on Thursday, June 25 for the Orange and Blue as five representatives took on the nation's best track & field talent. David Kendziera produced the highlight of the day for the Illini, qualifying for the semifinals of the 400m hurdles with a 50.81 performance to finish 16th in the opening round. Cam Viney also competed in the 400m hurdles, finishing 22nd in 52.04. DJ Zahn, Joe McAsey and Davis Fraker rounded out the Illinois contingent on Thursday. Zahn was 22nd in the 400m (46.28), McAsey finished 24th in the 800m (1:49.92) and Fraker nabbed 17th in the hammer throw (64.60m – 211' 11").
On Friday, it was again Kendziera who had the best performance for the Illini. Kendziera posted the seventh-fastest time in the 400m hurdles semifinals, finishing in 49.57, but did not advance to the final because he finished fifth in his heat.Dylan Lafond also represented the Orange and Blue on Friday, finishing 20th in the 3,000m steeplechase in 9:05.07.
Saturday featured just one Illinois competitor, as Brandon Stryganek competed in the opening round of the 200m. Stryganek finished 26th in the field with a time of 21.09.
In the USATF Junior Championships, Jonathan Wells and Dan Lathrop wore the Illini colors. Wells finished fifth in the high jump with a clearance of 2.14m (7' 0.25"), while Lathrop clocked 32:46.92 to finish seventh in the 10,000m.
USATF Championships Results
Thursday, June 25
Q/q = qualified for semifinals
400m First Round
22. DJ Zahn – 46.28
800m First Round
24. Joe McAsey – 1:49.92
400H First Round
16. David Kendziera – 50.81 Q 22. Cam Viney – 52.04
Hammer Final
17. Davis Fraker – 64.60m (211' 11")
Friday, June 26
Steeplechase
20. Dylan Lafond – 9:05.07
400m Hurdles Semifinals
7. David Kendziera – 49.57
Saturday, June 27
200m First Round
26. Brandon Stryganek – 21.09
USATF Junior Championships Results
Friday, June 26
High Jump Final
5. Jonathan Wells – 2.14m (7' 0.25")
Saturday, June 27
10,000m Final
7. Dan Lathrop – 32:46.92
