URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois men’s and women’s track and field competed at home on Friday for the Gary Wieneke Memorial.
It was a successful senior day for Illinois as six different athletes recorded seven top-10 program marks.
Sam Poglitsch recorded the program’s third-fastest time in the women’s 3000m steeplechase event win, running 10:15.6.
Hallie Hill clocked a time of 2:05.83 to clinch victory in the women’s 800 meters, propelling her to seventh place in the program’s all-time rankings. Although Hill considers the 800 meters not her strongest event, achieving a personal record has significantly bolstered her confidence as she approaches the postseason.
“Coach Eric Johannigmeier excels in incorporating speed workouts during the cross country season, ensuring I consistently feel prepared to tackle the 800,” Hill shared.
Asia Thomas expressed her emotions after securing the top spot in the women’s 100-meter dash by achieving a time of 11.38, marking the program’s sixth-fastest record. “Being from Chicago, an Illinois native, this achievement holds great significance for me,” she said.
Freshman Reece Ihenacho took home gold in the discuss with a 55-meter throw.
“A lot of work obviously,” Ihenacho said of what went into the success. “Practices, lifts every single day but also a lot of mental work as well. As a freshman I feel like that’s my biggest block right now is getting over mental.”
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Up next for Illinois is Big Ten Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon on May 16-18.
