April 9, 2005
Today the University of Iowa track team competed in the First Annual Mark Messersmith Invitational at the University of Northern Iowa campus. The Hawkeye teams were successful against teams from around the area including Iowa State, Iowa Central, Loras College, Luther College, Minnesota State and the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.
Four men were crowned individual champions. Freshman Matty Gorman won gold in the long jump and the triple jump. Senior Andy Banse was tops in the shot put and freshman Kale Katt won the javelin. Senior throwers Banse, and Chris Voller, as well as junior Tim Brodersen all qualified for the NCAA Regional meet in their respective events. Also, 18 Hawkeye men set new collegiate bests in the meet.
The Iowa women dominated their side of the competition with six individuals in eight events and two relays capturing first place. Sophomores Peaches Roach and Tiffany Johnson each claimed two gold medals. Sophomores Angie Hensel and Nikki Chapple, and seniors Aisha Hume and Kamesha Marshall also won gold. Roach also qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the high jump and the 100-meter dash and Johnson qualified in the 100-meter hurdles. Twelve Hawkeye women also set new collegiate marks today.
The men’s team next competes April 15-17 in the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, CA, and also in the Tom Botts Invitational in West Lafayette, IN, April 15-16. The women’s team competes April 14-17 in the Mt. SAC Relays.