University of Illinois
Big Ten Invitational #2
Record Performances Headline Big Ten Invite #2
April 9, 2021 | Women's Track & Field, Men's Track & Field
RECAP
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Illinois track and field teams had a solid performance at the Big Ten Invitational #2 hosted by Indiana today. What was originally planned to be a two-day meet turned into an all-day Friday affair due to expected inclement weather in the area on Saturday. The Illini had numerous event wins and personal bests, as well as a school record set by Manning Plater in the hammer throw.
"We showed who we are as competitors, what kind of team we've become.," Director of Track and Field Mike Turk said about the day. "I always stress how important it is to take chances, realize and make the most of our opportunities, all of them. Trust the process of development, learn from experiences and value every competitive opportunity. With the Florida meet last week, the Texas meet next week, and this being a smaller meet, we didn't want to overlook the opportunity this meet provided. First event of the meet, Plater crushed the school record in the hammer and late into the night after weather two weather delays, Tyler Cushing wins the 5k. The energy from having the whole team there in one location for the competition was awesome. They really brought great energy and stepped up their performances. It turned into a really special night."
Plater's record-breaking performance came in the hammer throw on Friday with a toss of 229 ft. (69.82m). This throw not only gave him the event title, but also broke the Illinois program record and placed Plater into fifth in the NCAA. The previous record was held by Davis Fraker and was 224-5 ft. set in 2015. Plater also holds the school record in the indoor weight throw, which he set at the NCAA Championships in March.
"It was an important night for Manning," Coach Turk added. "His outdoor season got off to a bit of a rough start last week. He was pressing and did not execute very well. It was frustrating him through practice a bit this week too but he knew the changes he needed to make. He worked on relaxing his arms, slowing down, being more patient. I didn't love his warm up attempts but I could see he was in a good place and working through it the right way. The hammer in my opinion is one of the most technical events in the sport. When you're just a little bit off it can make a big difference. Sometimes it's a specific cue that makes a difference, and because of the rhythmical aspect of the technique sometimes they just have to give a little bit to find the right rhythm. It takes tremendous discipline for these athletes that are big, fast and powerful to wait for the right time to let it go. Manning found that place and had a PR opening throw and went to the next level from there."
Connor Artman contributed to the field success for the Illini, winning the men's long jump with a leap of 22-11 ft (6.99m). Today was Artman's first action as an Illini after transferring from Notre Dame.
Jessica Franklin and Shrey Chowdhary each had strong performances in the javelin throw in a small event group. Franklin took first in the women's section with a 116-7 ft. (35.50 m) toss while Chowdhary threw 186-10 ft. (56.94 m) to win the men's section.
Franklin also showcased her speed and jumping ability, winning the women's 400 m hurdles in a time of 59.35. Teammate Amira Aduma placed second in the event with a 1:00.27.
Sprinter Jason Shannon also took home a gold medal, winning the men's 100 m with a speedy 10.72. Felicia Phillips had a strong sprint race of her own, finishing in second place in the women's 100m with a time of 11.95.
After a delay lasting longer than an hour, Jon Davis came out and made history in the 1500 m race. His 3:41.01 gave him first place in the event, a personal best time, tenth place in the NCAA and fifth place in the Illinois record book.
"As great as Plater was, Jon Davis tried to steal the night," Turk commented on his star performers. "It was an inspiring race from Jon. It was a three second PR and getting into our 1500 m top five in school history is impressive. As Jon has taken on a bigger leadership role I see a more resilient, confident competitor."
Emma Milburn had a record-breaking performance as well, placing third in the women's 5000 m race with a time of 16:30.04. This time also entered her into the Illinois record book in eight place all-time. Freshman Tyler Cushing concluded the final event for the Illini with a win in the men's 5000 m with a time of 14:26.06.
Next Up
Next weekend the Illinois track and field team will travel back to Bloomington, Ind. to participate in the Big Ten Invite #3 hosted by Indiana. Action will span from Friday, April 9 to Saturday, April 10.
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