Full Results
AMES, Iowa – The Illinois sprints group led the way on day one of the Iowa State Classic, as the Orange and Blue tallied four top-five finishes between the 60m and 200m dashes. Devin Quinn led the group, tying his personal-best in the 60m (6.76) and setting a new personal-best in the 200m (21.08).
"We still have a lot of work to do before Big Ten [Championships], but our sprint crew took a big step forward," said Mike Turk following day one of the Iowa State Classic.
Illini sophomore Devin Quinn recorded two of Illinois' six top-five finishes on day one of the meet, using personal-best performances to place in the top-three of both the 60m and 200m.
The Punta Gorda, Florida native began his afternoon by tying his 6.78 season-best time in the 60m prelims, and then tying his lifetime best, 6.76, in the final to place third.
Returning to the track less than two hours after the 60m final, Quinn set the fifth-fastest 200m time in Illinois history with a 21.08 performance in heat one to place runner-up. The time improves upon Quinn's previous best of 21.20 set at Big Ten Indoor Championships last season.
"Quinn was great in both the 60m and 200m," said Coach Turk. "He was very focused and ran with purpose."
Joining Quinn in the 60m final following a 6.86 time in prelims, junior Cole Henderson also tied his personal-best with a 6.80 mark to place fifth in the final.
"Cole had a breakthrough finally," said Turk. "He ran his best open race as an Illini and I'm excited for him."
Entering the 200m race 10th on the Illini all-time list, Eiker moved up to ninth with a heat-winning time of 21.30, placing third overall. After debuting at 21.38 this season, the Illini freshman has lowered his personal-best in each of his last two races.
"Eiker ran well, and is progressing after being off for a couple weeks," Turk explained. "He ran a really good race technically and, as his conditioning improves, he can make a significant drop."
Also winning a 200m heat was Joe Haight, timing a lifetime-best 21.41 to finish fifth in the field. The Illini sophomore lowered his personal-record time for the second meet in a row after running 21.51 at the Black & Gold Premier last weekend.
"Joe Haight is the best kept secret in the Big Ten," Turk said following Haight's personal-best performance. "He continues to improve."
Doug Wilson set the fourth Illini personal-best in the 200m with a time of 21.54 in section seven. The time lowers his season-best performance from 21.64 set at the Black & Gold Premier a week ago.
In field events, junior Michael Hyc placed fifth in the weight throw competition, marking 64'11.75" (19.79m) on his second attempt of the afternoon. Fellow third-year Illini Matsen Dziedzic placed eighth with a throw of 63'0" (19.20m).
"The weight throw was solid," Turk said of his two throwers. "Both Mike [Hyc} and Matsen {Dziedzic] threw well and showed they are so close to reaching the next level. I'm really pleased to have both guys place in a meet of this caliber. It's outstanding improvement for them."
The Fighting Illini will conclude the Iowa State Classic tomorrow, February 11, beginning with the men's shot put and triple jump at noon.
Top-10 Finishes:
2.Devin Quinn, 200m, 21.08
3.Devin Quinn, 60m, 6.76
3.Josh Eiker, 200m, 21.30
5.Joe Haight, 200m, 21.41
5.Michael Hyc, weight throw, 64'11.75" (19.79m)
6.Cole Henderson, 60m, 6.80
