Texas Tech University Athletics
Wruck Wins NCAA Discus Title
July 28, 2011 | Track and Field
June 8, 2011
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DES MOINES, Iowa - Texas Tech's Julian Wruck gave the Red Raiders an important 10 points in the team race as he won Tech's first men's discus title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships held at Drake Stadium.
"It was a very good day for us," head coach Wes Kittley said. "We got on the board and got a national champion. We did what we needed to do on the men's side to advance and give ourselves a chance in the team race. The women had a tough day but we can come back tomorrow and start something with our 4x400M relay."
Wruck threw in the first flight of the competition and on his first throw put the disc out to a distance of 197'-1" (60.08M) to take an early lead. Kansas' Mason Finley took the lead from Wruck on his first throw of 197'-2" (60.11M).
On his second throw of the competition, Wruck threw the discus 202'-9" (61.81M) to secure not only the lead but his first NCAA title. BYU's Leif Arrhenius was second with a throw of 201'-3" (61.36M) while Finley finished in third.
Wruck gives Tech its first field event title and the second individual title in program history. It is Wruck's first NCAA title of his career.
"I am really proud of Julian and the series he had in the discus," Kittley said after the discus. "He started it off right for us in the team race."
Gil Roberts ran the second-fastest time of the men's 400M with his 45.22. He placed second in his heat to Florida's Tony McQuay (44.87) and will run in the men's 400M final on Friday at 8:02 p.m.
"That was probably Gil (Roberts) best race of the year and it was good to see that especially at the national meet," said Kittley.
The duo of Bryce Brown and Jamele Mason both grabbed automatic berths into the 400M hurdles final. Mason won his heat with a 50.01 and has the fourth-fastest qualifying time going into the final. Brown ran a 49.95 and placed second in his heat to advance. The 400M hurdles final will be contested on Friday at 6:45 p.m.
The Red Raiders sit tied for third place with 10 points. BYU leads with 17.50 and Washington sits second with 11 points. Competition for Tech starts tomorrow at 5:35 p.m. with the men's long jump.
The women's 4x100M of Tara Thomas, Erica Alexander, Candace Jackson and Taylor Evans ran a time of 44.40 and placed 15th overall. The relay did not advance to the final
Jackson turned around in the 400M and crossed the line in a time of 53.27 but didn't qualify for the final. Her time places her 15th overall.
Kelly Closse threw 164'-7" (50.17M) and placed 17th overall in the women's discus. She did not qualify for the final round.
Players Mentioned
