Bizzarri runs away in 5,000

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – She was the top seed entering the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 5,000 meters, so winning a national championship wasn't out of the question for Illini junior Angela Bizzarri.

But the ease in which the now-seven-time All-American won Friday's 5,000 final at Arkansas' John McDonnell Field might come as a surprise to some. Bizzarri cruised to the championship in 16 minutes, 17.94 seconds. Second-place finisher Nicole Blood of Oregon clocked a 16:26.58.

"It's really exciting. This is definitely the best racing accomplishment I've ever had, being the national champion, and it feels awesome," Bizzarri said. "I was actually really nervous before the race, but I tried not to doubt myself and knew I could do it."

Bizzarri is the first Illini outdoor national champion since 2003, when Perdita Felicien won the 100 hurdles.

It's the sixth time an Illini has won a national title outdoors, and that list includes Illinois coach Tonja Buford-Bailey, who won the 400 hurdles in 1992.

"This is awesome. It was really fun to watch," Buford-Bailey said. "She stayed in control the whole time and looked relaxed. It topped off a great meet for us."

Bizzarri's national championship is also the first time an Illinois athlete has won a championship in an event other than the hurdles.

Also earning All-America honors for the Illinois women Friday was Deserea Brown. The senior from Flossmoor clocked a 57.31 in the 400 hurdles to finish fifth.

On the men's side, junior Greg Shroka finished sixth in the high jump, clearing 7 feet, 1.5 inches to earn All-America accolades.

"I couldn't be prouder of him," Illinois coach Wayne Angel said. "He has accomplished his dream – going from a walk-on, to a Big Ten scorer and now an All-American."

Freshman Andrew Riley nabbed the last spot in the 110 hurdles finals. The Kingston, Jamaica, native finished fifth in his semifinal heat, crossing the finish line in 13.81.

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