EUGENE, Ore. – Graduate students Manning Plater and Jonathan Wells represented the University of Illinois track squad on day one of the NCAA Championships hosted by the University of Oregon. Plater placed tenth overall in the men's hammer throw while Wells finished in 15th place in the long jump. Both Illini earned Second Team All-American Honors for their performances.
With a tenth place finish, Plater earned Second Team All-American status in the hammer throw. His furthest toss of 230-2 ft. (70.15 m) not only marked a new personal best, but also improved upon the Rushville native's already first place ranking in program history in the event. His previous record of 229-1 ft. (69.82 m) was set earlier this outdoor season at the B1G Invite #2.
The tenth place finish is the highest finish in the men's hammer throw in program history. To go along with his outstanding outdoor season, Plater was also named an indoor track All-American following his third place finish in the weight throw at the NCAA Indoor Track Championships in February.
Wells also earned Second Team All American status in the long jump, where he placed 15th with his furthest jump coming on his first leap and marking 24-5 ¾ ft. (7.46 m). This mark comes up short of his career best of 25-10 ¼ (7.88 m), set in 2018. The B1G long and high jump champion will compete in the high jump as well, slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday.
Remaining Illini Events
Thursday – 5:46 p.m. CT – Olivia Howell – Women's 1500 m Prelim
Friday – 6:30 p.m. CT – Jonathan Wells – Men's high jump
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