AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Iowa track and field team opened day one of the NCAA Championships by breaking the 4×100 school record to secure a spot in the finals on Friday.
Juniors Kalen Walker, Austin Kresley, Gratt Reed and Damoy Allen set a new school record running a 38.64 to finish eighth and clinch a spot in the finals on Friday night. The quartet broke their own school record that was set back at the Texas Relays on April 1 (38.70).
“I’m really proud of how our 4×1 set the tone early and had a great performance,” Iowa Director of Track and Field Joey Woody said. “If you look at what it takes to make a final at this meet, it’s pretty remarkable.”
Kresley cruised to a 20.26 finish in the 200-meter race, tying his own school record from earlier this season. The Hawkeye sprinter finished 11th overall and was named a second team All-American.
Reed turned in a nice performance in the 110-meter hurdles, taking 10th place in 13.55 and finishing as a second team All-American.
“Gratt had a really good start, he clipped a few hurdles at the end that probably cost him a shot at the finals, but finishing 10th at this meet is really impressive,” Woody added.
Gillum completed his individual career, earning honorable mention status with a 51.57 finish in the 400-meter hurdles.
“I know it wasn’t the way Julien wanted to go out, but he’s been a tremendous competitor for our program and I’m really proud of how he puts his best self out there when he steps on the track,” Woody said.
Junior Austin West sits in fourth place halfway through the decathlon competition with 4,266 points. West’s day was highlighted by the 400-meter dash title, crossing the line in 46.56. He followed that up with a career best in the shot put, tossing 14.17 meters (46’ 6”) and matched a personal best in the high jump (1.95 meters | 6’ 4.75”). West is 325 points behind the leader, Leo Neugebauer from Texas.
“Austin had a really good first day in the decathlon,” Woody said. “He really got things rolling in the shot put and got some momentum that carried him through the high jump. He dominated the 400 and has a lot of confidence heading into day two tomorrow.”
The Championships continue Thursday at noon (CT) with West continuing his decathlon with the 110-meter hurdles. The women’s competition begins on day two, beginning with Amanda Howe in the hammer throw at 3:30 p.m. Paige Magee and Myreanna Bebe are set to compete in the semifinals of the 100-meter hurdles on Thursday at 8:30. Mariel Bruxvoort joins Magee in the semifinals of the 400-meter hurdles at 9:30 p.m., while the women’s 4×400 team caps the night at 10:45 p.m.
HAWKEYE RESULTS
4×100 relay
8. Walker, Kresley, Reed, Allen – 38.64, finals qualifier, school record
110-meter hurdles
10. Gratt Reed – 13.55, 2nd team All-American
400-meter hurdles
22. Julien Gillum – 51.57, honorable mention
200 meters
11. Austin Kresley – 20.26, 2nd team All-American, tied school record
4×400 relay
21. Stapleton Jr., Richards, Jefferson, Gillum (3:06.59)
Decathlon
4. Austin West (4,266 points)
11. 100 meters – 10.82 (901 points)
7. Long Jump – 7.31 meters (23’ 11.75”) (888)
8. Shot Put – 14.17 meters (46’ 6”), PR (739)
T-9. High Jump – 1.95 meters (6’ 4.75”) (758)
1. 400 meters – 46.56 (980)