University of Illinois
Illini Open
Michael Hyc Leads @IlliniMTrack in Season Finale
May 4, 2016 | Men's Track & Field
#Illini Sophomore Sets PRs in the Hammer & Shot Put
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Michael Hyc had his best day of the outdoor season, setting personal-record marks in two events, as the Fighting Illini concluded their regular season with the Illini Open. As a team, the Orange & Blue won four events and finished with top collegian performances in two other events.
"It was a great day for Mike," exclaimed Turk. "I'm so happy for him. We know he's gone through some adversity in his personal life with the passing of his father. He's handled that with so great dignity and grace. To see him rewarded, he's been knocking on the door of 56 feet and 17 meters, was really satisfying. I'm just really proud of him and so happy for him."
Michael Hyc concluded his regular season with personal-records in both the hammer throw and shot put. Hyc began his day with the hammer, where his second attempt of the day marked 181'7" (55.34m) to surpass his previous high mark of 197'7" (54.74m). The sophomore followed that performance up with another personal-best heave in the shot put, marking 56'0" (17.07m) to win the event.
Also competing in the two throwing, Matsen Dziedzic set a new personal-record in the hammer throw on his fourth attempt, unloading for a 184'3" (56.15m) mark. Dziedzic returned for the shot put shortly thereafter, placing runner-up with a mark of 53'8.25" (16.36m).
On the track, Cam Viney added another event victory to his senior season resume in the 110m hurdles. Viney clocked a 13.97 time in the event, winning by nearly a full second over DePaul's Evan Lowry.
"I was really pleased with Cam's race in the hurdles," said Turk. "We didn't run him last week in the hurdle, and we asked him to make his contribution in the relays. I thought he looked really good in the hurdles today and he's ready to go for Big Ten Championships."
In sprints, Mo Maat and Joe Haight stood out for the Illini. Haight, a freshman, won the 200m with a time of 21.88, besting Brandon Threats of DePaul. In the 100m, Maat was the top collegiate runner, timing 10.61, while former Illini Brandon Stryganek won the event with a time of 10.44.
Illinois' top jumps performance today came from senior Mitch Mammoser. Having battled injuries for most of his senior season, Mammoser concluded the regular season with his top mark of the season. After clearing his first height (4.81m), Mammoser went up and over 16'1.25" (4.91m) on his second attempt to place tops among all other collegians in the field and second overall.
"Today was big for Mitch," said Turk. "It's been a struggle for him this year and I think it kind of helps him ground himself, and realize that it's simple sport and he's been doing it for a long time. If he keeps it simple and just approaches with a little perspective, and just clearing the bar in front of him, he's capable of doing [great] things. It's been a rough year for him, coming off last year's Big Ten Championships where he was so good. He's got a chance to put this to bed the right way, and I think he's doing that."
The other notable performance in field events today came from Parker Deloye, who posted the top mark in the high jump with a leap of 6'5.5" (1.97m).
With the regular season now complete, the Fighting Illini will set their focus on Big Ten Championships. After spending much of the season battling injuries, the Illini will look to put it altogether in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 13-15.
"I think we're going to have to battle [at Big Ten Championships]. We're going to have to go with a mentality that we're going to have to compete, and battle, and fight our way through every event, every race and it'll shake out the way it shakes out. I think we're finally back into a good place where we can have a chance to do that. I think the guys are in the mind frame to compete and put some of the adversity we've had this year behind us."
