Nwachukwu Leads Hawkeyes in Wieczorek Invite Opener

IOWA CITY, Iowa –  University of Iowa track and field sophomore Chioma Nwachukwu raced to Iowa’s fifth-fastest time on her way to the Jimmy Grant Memorial 200-meter title on Friday night at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility.

Nwachukwu ran a personal-best 23.43 to move into the program’s record book and set the facility and Wieczorek Invitational meet record.

“Chioma is such a special athlete and it was a great opportunity for her to race in front of our hometown crowd,” Iowa Director of Track and Field Joey Woody said. “Every single week she amazes the general fan and even us. We knew she had that in her. 23-low on this track is exceptional. She will be able to break 23 during the indoor season, depending on how we set her up.”

In total, Iowa won seven events on day one. Senior Vaughn DeVaughn III was the winner of the men’s 200 meters, crossing the line in 21.87. Senior Gabby Cortez led the pack in the 600-meter premier and won in 1:28.56. Sophomore Elena Torres raced a season-best 9:48.57 to take the crown in the women’s 3,000-meter premier. Rowan Boulter led the women’s 3,000-meter open with a lifetime best of 10:07.09.

Sophomore Ethan Eichhorn kicked off the events on the track with a personal record of 8:32.47 and second-place finish in the 3,000 meters. 

Iowa picked up two wins at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. Junior Ryan Johnson won his fourth title of the year, clinching the Banse Family Weight Throw title at 24.09 meters. Senior Sean Smith and redshirt junior Austin Busch grabbed the next two spots, firing 21.79 meters and 20.08 meters, respectively. Senior Walker Whalen was a finalist and placed ninth with an 18.01-meter throw.

Senior Wisdom Williams captured the shot put title with a throw of 15.68 meters. Junior Carlee Rochford placed ninth with a mark of 12.36 meters. In the women’s weight throw, sophomore Peyton Wilson secured third with a personal record of 18.18 meters. Her lifetime best came on the final throw of her series.

“Overall, we had some good marks,” Woody added. “It was good to get our multis and field event athletes some reps. Ryan (Johnson) continued to win with another 24-meter throw. The more you win, the more you’ll figure out how to get it done. Gabby (Cortez) had an unbelievable race in the 600 and had the extra gas to win it at the end in 1:28. We had PRs from quite a few of our athletes and we are looking forward to tomorrow.”

Up Next: Iowa concludes the Wieczorek Invite tomorrow with action beginning at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility at 1:00 p.m.

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Men’s 200 Meters
1. Vaughn DeVaughn III - 21.87

Men’s 200 Meters Premier
4. Tyrese Miller - 21.70
5. Jaylin Holmes - 21.76
6. Landon Fontenot - 21.81

Jimmy Grant Memorial Women’s 200 Meters
1. Chioma Nwachukwu - 23.43, PR + 5th at Iowa, Meet Record, Facility Record
2. Alexandria Edison - 24.11
3. Izzy Zahn - 24.30
4. Olicia Lucas - 24.52
5. Holly Duax - 24.62

Caesar Smith Sr. Memorial Men’s 600 Meters
3. Derek Leicht - 1:19.32, PR
5. Owen Wolfe - 1:20.32

Women’s 600 Meters
1. Gabby Cortez - 1:28.56
6. Lily Johannes - 1:36.41

Women’s 1,000 Meters
4. Clare Kelly - 2:53.54
6. Julia Gehl - 2:56.64
7. Jalyssa Blazek - 3:00.43

Men’s 3,000 Meters
2. Ethan Eichhorn - 8:32.47, PR

Larry Wieczorek Men’s 3,000 Meters
9. Armaan Chopra - 8:36.62

Women’s 3,000 Meters
1. Rowan Boulter - 10:07.09, PR
2. Marissa Long - 10:16.31
7. Ellie Rathe - 10:27.85

Women’s 3,000 Meters Premier
1. Elena Torres - 9:48.57
7. Audra Soderlind - 10:19.37, PR

Cunningham Family Men’s High Jump
10. Sal Capaldo - 1.98 meters (6’ 6”)

Women’s High Jump
11. Carlee Rochford - 1.56 meters (5’ 1.25”)

Women’s Shot Put
1. Wisdom Williams - 15.68 meters (51’ 5.50”)
9. Carlee Rochford - 12.36 meters (40’ 6.75”)

Banse Family Men’s Weight Throw
1. Ryan Johnson - 24.09 meters (79’ 0.50”)
2. Sean Smith - 21.79 meters (71’ 6”)
3. Austin Busch - 20.08 meters (65’ 10.50”)
9. Walker Whalen - 18.01 meters (59’ 1.25”)

Women’s Weight Throw
3. Peyton Wilson - 18.18 meters (59’ 7.75”), PR