Results
COLLEGE STATION, Tex. – The Illinois Fighting Illini track teams traveled to the NCAA West Regional Meet this weekend hosted by Texas A&M. Days one and two consisted of qualifying races for the track events and chances to solidify spots in Eugene, Ore. for the championships in the field events.
Manning Plater got the weekend started on Wednesday with a qualifying performance in the men's hammer throw. Plater's furthest attempt reached 215-10 ft. (65.78 m) and was good enough for 11th place in the region. Twelve athletes from the event in this region earned a spot at the NCAA Championships.
Jonathan Wells followed up with a qualifying performance of his own in the long jump. His best attempt landed him 25-6 ¼ ft. (7.78 m) past the start line. Wells finished the day in sixth place in the event, and secured a spot in Eugene. Wells will also compete in the high jump tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.
On Friday, Olivia Howell was the lone qualifier for the Illini, advancing in the women's 1500 m. Her time of 4:23.68 earned her 24th place in the race, and she will compete for the opportunity to travel to the championships in the quarterfinals at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday. Howell is the Illinois school record holder in the 1500 m.
Friday-Saturday Illini Events
Friday
1:00 PM - Men's high jump first round – Jonathan Wells
5:30 PM – Men's 4x100 m relay quarterfinal
9:15 PM – Men's 4x400 m relay quarterfinal
Saturday
5:30 PM – Women's 4x100 m relay quarterfinal
5:45 PM – Women's 1500 m quarterfinal – Olivia Howell
6:10 PM – Women's 3000 m steeplechase quarterfinal – Ayah Aldadah
8:30 PM – Women's 5000 m semifinals – Rebecca Craddock
9:15 PM – Women's 4x400 m relay quarterfinal
Next Up
Friday and Saturday will serve as quarterfinal and semifinal races for those who qualify before the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships take place on June 9-12 in Eugene, Ore.
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