Full Results
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Fighting Illini track and field teams completed the final day of their regular season at the East Coast Relays on Saturday, April 29 from Hodges Stadium. Junior Olivia Howell won the 800m dash and clocked an improvement of .22 seconds to her program's second best time (2:02.50). She cracked the NCAA top-ten list as well as it's the ninth fastest in the country.
Two more top-ten times close out the Illini's 2023 regular season. Graduate student Allanah Lee moved up to eighth in the triple jump record book with a 12.60m (41-4 1/4) leap. Freshman Azariyah Bryant improved her program's tenth best 100m dash to 11.51.
"It's amazing how fast this season has gone by," said first year Director of Track, Field and Cross Country Petros Kyprianou. "Between making adjustments and shuffling athletes through events; the Illini showed that they are ready for the challenge of the post season. I feel several individuals have done well in the Florida heat and proved they can advance to the next step, which is the most fun, championship season.'
'There were plenty of highlights from this weekend in the many personal-bests, but I'm very happy to see Robert Williams ran sub 51 in the 400m hurdles. Seeing his hard work paid off and set him up for the championships. Olivia showed consistency in the 800m, Alex turned the corner in the high jump, and the ladies in the steeplechase showed that they will be at the regional meet."
The men's 4x400m relay team of: freshman Tadeas Placek, redshirt senior Kashief King, junior Jason Thormo and Robert Williams won with a time of 3:07.27.
There were five other new personal-bests recorded amongst the Illini today: senior Will O'Brien in the 800m (1:49.86), sophomore Will Merrick in the 800m (1:50.81), graduate student Bret Dannis in the 100m (10.76), freshman Ashley Oliver in the triple jump [12.09m (39-9)] and King in the 400m (46.88).
"We had some injuries that were freak accidents that couldn't be prevented, but that's athletics. We have to get better in every area. Now we turn the page and focus on Big Ten Championships week!"
UP NEXT
The Fighting Illini track and field teams are off this next week. After the break they hit the road to Bloomington, Ind. for the Big Ten Outdoor Championships on Fri.-Sun. May 12-14. Fans can watch along with the stream on B1G+.
NOTES
Winners/Top-10 school marks (other notable Illini finishes/marks listed under the same event).
Notable Illini results
