EUGENE, Ore. – Senior hurdler Paige Magee became a second-team All-American with a new school record of 12.88 in the 100-meter hurdles at Hayward Field on Thursday night.

“The consistency in my start and drive phase translated really well to the success of my race,” Magee said. “While there were a couple things I could have cleaned up, it’s setting me up really well for the Olympic Trials.”

Magee’s time was good for 13th overall, earning the Columbia, Missouri, native second-team All-America honors. Magee missed qualifying to the finals by just under one-tenth of a second. In addition, she reached the Olympic Trial qualifying standard.

“It’s so easy to always want more, and I do, but looking back, I came into college running 13.98 and just ran 12.88,” Magee added. “I’m really excited for the next time I am on this track and for indoor season next year.”

In the finale of her collegiate outdoor career, Magee produced her best result. Her previous personal best and school record was set at the 2023 Big Ten Championships, where she finished runner-up in 12.90. Magee concludes her outdoor career as a two-time second-team All-American and four-time honorable mention honoree.

Decathlete Austin West withdrew from the event due to injury after five events. The senior from Iowa City wrapped up a decorated career as a six-time All-American, decathlon school-record holder and 2023 Big Ten 400-meter hurdles champion.

HEAR FROM DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD JOEY WOODY

“I’m extremely proud of how well Paige competed today. She came out and had her all-time best performance at the NCAA Championships and you can’t ask for more than that. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to push her through to the finals. This is her last NCAA Outdoor Championships as a Hawkeye, but I am excited that she is coming back for one last opportunity next indoor season. She has the ability to make the final there and I know she is motivated to make that happen. It was unfortunate that Austin had to medically withdraw today, and I know he is super disappointed. He has had an amazing career as a Hawkeye and will go down as one of the all-time greats to wear the Iowa uniform in any sport. We are hopeful he can be back for the Olympic Trials in a couple of weeks.”

HAWKEYE RESULTS

Women’s 100-meter Hurdles Semifinals

13. Paige Magee – 12.88, PR + 1st at Iowa

UP NEXT: Jordan Johnson enters the ring for the finals of the men’s discus at 7:35 p.m. (CT) on Friday evening. The event will be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required).

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team has signed three more transfer student-athletes since the end of April. Iowa announced the signing of utility player Lauren Geczik on April 29, followed by defender Alexia Griffin on May 9 and midfielder Madison Wilson on June 6.

The trio joins newcomer Maya Hansen, as well as six incoming freshmen from the Class of 2028.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“We are very excited to add these great female student-athletes as members of our Iowa Soccer family. Each of them comes to Iowa with a great deal of playing experience at their former institutions, which will be a valuable addition to this year’s team in its drive for championships.”

Lauren Geczik 

Houston, Texas | F/D | Graduate Student
(St. Agnes Academy, Albion Hurricans FC)

Texas A&M – Played 39 games, including 29 starts, for a total of 2,674 career minutes… tallied 13 points on four goals and five assists for the Aggies… CoSIDA Academic All District in 2021… Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll (2021) and SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll (2020-21)… recognized as Most Improved Player for Texas A&M in 2021… earned team “Farmer’s Fight” Perseverance Award in 2021… SEC Freshman of the Week (10/26/20)… Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week (10/27/20)… No. 83 on the TopDrawerSoccer.com Midseason Freshman 100 list in 2021.

Alexia Griffin

Panama City, Florida | D | Junior

(Arnold High School, Concord Fire)

Southern Miss – Started 18 games as a sophomore for 1,439 minutes… scored one goal against Troy on Sept. 21, 2023… totaled five shots offensively… appeared in all 16 games as a freshman, starting in 13…played 1,193 minutes…registered four shots on the year.

Madison Wilson

London, Ontario, Canada | M | Graduate Student

(Oakridge Secondaryl, London Football Academy)

Dayton – Played in all 20 matches for the Flyers in 2023, making 18 starts and logging 1,325 minutes… led Dayton with 16 points on the season… career bests for goals (6) and assists (4)… scored three game-winning goals… logged 1,325 minutes on the season… redshirt season as a junior… started in three of the 16 games played as a sophomore (522 minutes)… three assists and three points that season on 11 shots (6 SOG)… played in all 14 matches with nine starts (758 minutes) as a freshman… first collegiate start and goal came in the season opener, a 2-0 UD win vs. Bellarmine (Feb. 6, 2021)… selected to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team… three-time Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Officials with the Hawkeye Ten Conference, representing 11 communities in southwest Iowa, including Atlantic, Clarinda, Creston, Denison-Schleswig, Glenwood, Harlan, Kuemper Catholic, Lewis Central, Red Oak, Shenandoah, and St. Albert, have announced adjustments to its admission fees for high school and middle school athletic events, effective the upcoming school year of 2024-25. Please note: Students in the Atlantic Community School District will still receive free admission to regular season home events.

In an effort to continue providing exceptional athletic experiences for students while also ensuring the sustainability of athletic programs, the conference has decided to adjust its admission fees. Beginning in the fall of 2024, adult admission for high school athletic events will be increased from $6 to $7, while student admission will remain at $6 for students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. Similarly, for middle school athletic events, adult admission will be raised from $4 to $5, and student admission will increase from $3 to $4.

Conference officials say the decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders across our member communities. A press release said “While we understand that adjustments to admission fees may present a change for our valued fans, we believe these adjustments are necessary to maintain the high standard of athletic programming that the Hawkeye Ten Conference is known for.

“It’s important to note that these adjustments will directly contribute to supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs across the conference. By investing in our athletic events, fans are not only supporting the development of our student-athletes but also contributing to the overall strength and vibrancy of our communities.”

The Hawkey 10 Conference press release concluded with “We would like to extend our gratitude to our fans, parents, students, and community members for their continued support of Hawkeye Ten Conference athletics. Your enthusiasm and dedication are what make our events so special, and we look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming games and competition.”

The Tri-Center Trojans baseball team picked up a 13-5 road win over the Audubon Wheelers Thursday night. The Trojans were led in hitting on the night by junior Cael Corrin who went 2-4 with two hits and 1 RBI. Sophomore Carter Kunze helped the Trojans to a victory when he pitched over five solid inning while allowing six hits, two walks and 7 strikeouts to help get his first win of the season.

The Wheelers were led in hitting on the night by junior Aaron Olsen who went 2-4 with two hits, one walk and one RBI. Sophomore Carson Wessel pitched four innings while given up two hits, eight walks in taking the loss for the Wheelers.

Coach Max Kozeal talked about how everyone contributed in the road win over Audubon.

The Trojans coach Kozeal was pleased with Kunze pitching performance.

The win for Tri-Center will improve their record to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the Western Iowa Conference, Coach Kozeal said his team will be ready for their game against good Logan-Magnolia team tonight.

The loss for the Wheelers will drop them to 0-10-1 overall and 0-6 in Western Iowa Conference and will face AHSTW Vikings in a double-header tonight. First game will start at 5:30 p.m.

NASCAR Cup Series veteran Michael McDowell is looking forward to his return to the Iowa Speedway next week. The 2021 Daytona 500 champion will be among those competing in the Iowa Corn 350, the first cup series race at the track. McDowell last raced at the Iowa Speedway in a Nationwide Series event back in 2014.

McDowell says he was not surprised when the Cup Series added a race at Iowa.

Racing at a new track is an adjustment and McDowell says practice sessions will be important next week.

Sunday nights Iowa Corn 350 and Saturday’s Xfinity race sold out in a matter of hours and McDowell says that will make for an outstanding atmosphere.

It is the first time the track will host the Cup Series but 19 drivers who could be in the field for the Iowa Corn 350 have taken the Checkered flag at Iowa Speedway.

McDowell is currently 24th in points as the NASCAR Cup Series prepares for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma, California.

More athletes than ever before are taking part in this year’s edition of the Iowa Senior Games. Cory Kennedy, spokesman for the 38th annual event, says it’s gratifying to see the popularity continue to grow, year after year.

The games opened Wednesday, with many events underway at Waukee High School in metro Des Moines.

Tennis is among the 30 sports at the games. (Iowa Senior Games 2023 photo)

The sports range from football and tennis to pickleball and granny basketball.

The events run through Sunday. You have to be at least 50 years old to participate in the Iowa Senior Games, though Kennedy says they have a good number of competitors who are well into their 90s.

Originally known as the Iowa Senior Olympics, Kennedy says the event provides a venue for competition among peers with the chance to earn the gold, silver, or bronze medals awarded to the top three individuals in each age group event. Winners have the opportunity to advance to the National Senior Games and world competition.

One the web at www.iowaseniorgames.org

Iowa State linebacker Jack Sadowsky admits even he was surprised he got on the field so early. The native of Batavia, Illinois earned a starting spot as a true freshman and started all 13 games last season. Despite some early growing pains Sadowski finished the season with 33 tackles.

Sadowsky says support from his teammates and coaches helped him adjust.

Sadowsky says the experience he gained last year will help as he prepares for a new season.

Sadowsky is part of an experienced linebacking corps that has high hopes heading into next season.

The Cyclones open next season at home on August 31st against North Dakota.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Jen Llewellyn has been selected as the next head coach of the University of Iowa gymnastics program, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics, Beth Goetz announced Thursday. Llewellyn comes to the Hawkeyes after three years as head coach at the University of Washington. She will be the fifth coach in program history.

“I am thrilled and beyond grateful to be joining the Hawkeye community,” said Llewellyn. “I want to thank Beth, Marcus and the entire Iowa athletics staff for this tremendous opportunity. The tradition at Iowa is evident and I am excited to build off the strong foundation that has been laid by the past and present women who have built it. It is the best time in history to be a woman in sport and to see the commitment to women’s sports at Iowa is extremely inspiring. There are many opportunities in front of us and I am eager to be a part of the journey that is Iowa gymnastics. GO HAWKS!!”

At Washington, Llewellyn led the Huskies to three-straight NCAA second round regional appearances, including a sweet 16 appearance in 2023. In 2024, the GymDawgs recorded two team scores above a 197, the second time the squad has notched two 197+ scores in Llewellyn’s tenure at Washington. Llewellyn had student-athletes named NCAA Regional floor co-champions at the Cal Regional. She had one student-athlete qualify for NCAA National Championships in the all-around where she was a two-time All-American on bars and the all-around.

“We are truly excited to welcome Jen to the Hawkeye Family,” said Goetz. “She has a history of championship level success with a wealth of experience including 12 years as a head coach. In addition to her competitive success, she is known for her ability to create an incredible team environment where student-athletes succeed in all phases of their collegiate experience.”
Prior to Washington, Llewelyn was at Lindenwood University since the start of the program in 2012. She served as the interim head coach for the inaugural season and was named the head coach in 2013. Llewellyn led the Lions to six straight conference championships and three USAG National Championships. She was named Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) Head Coach of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2018. Llewellyn was named the USA Gymnastics Head Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016. She helped the Lions earn three different Gymnast of the Year awards from the MIC including the 2015 Gymnast of the Year, the 2015 Newcomer of the Year, and the 2018 Senior Athlete of the Year.

Llewellyn coached the Lions to their first-ever NCAA Regionals appearance after Lindenwood finished 2019 by winning the MIC championship and was selected to the Baton Rouge Regional as the third-ever Division II program to qualify for NCAA Regionals. The Lions had eight different individuals qualify for Regionals in Llewellyn’s time as head coach, including three in 2021
The Lions posted six-straight MIC championships under Llewellyn’s leadership. Over her nine seasons, Lindenwood earned 78 all-conference honors, including 18 in 2021. The Lions also earned four WCGA All-American honors in 2021, giving the Lions 64 All-Americans during Llewellyn’s tenure. Llewellyn was named Division II Regional Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2021.
In the classroom, the Lions achieved the highest GPA in program history in 2021, posting a 3.84 to top the previous record of 3.82 from 2020. Her student-athletes earned numerous MIC Scholar-Athlete and USA Gymnastics Scholar-Athlete honors, and in 2017 two members of the program became the first Academic All-Americans in team history

A native of Kenmore, Washington, Llewellyn was a three-time all-American and a national runner-up on bars at Oregon State. She would also win a Pac-12 championship in 2009 on bars and an NCAA Regionals championship in 2008 on bars.
Llewellyn earned her bachelor’s degree in merchandise management in 2012 from Oregon State and her master’s in communication from Lindenwood in 2014. She and her husband, Cody, have two children, William Grayson and Blakely.

What they’re saying about Jen Llewellyn:

Jen Cohen, USC Athletic Director, former Washington Athletics Director
“Jen Llewellyn is an exceptional coach, leader and person. She brings to Iowa Gymnastics a wealth of experience, a championship mindset and will build a culture where the young women in her program will thrive both in and out of competition. This is a great hire by Iowa.”

Jay Clark, Head Coach, Louisiana State University
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jen since she was an athlete that I recruited. She was a tenacious competitor then, and I’ve watched from afar as she has grown into the complete coach she is today. She understands the importance of standards, values and todays need for a true culture of buy in from every role being played on her team. I’m excited to see her take this next challenge and move the needle the way she has everywhere she has been. Iowa is fortunate to have such a coach full of integrity and ambition to succeed.”

K.J. Kindler, Head Coach, University of Oklahoma
“In Jen’s young career she has accomplished what many thought might be unreachable including growing the Lindenwood program from inception to a birth in the NCAA post season and nurturing the Washington Huskies to compete in the final sixteen. Her professional endeavors are always preceded by her devotion to personal relationships with her student- athletes. She will undoubtedly provide the leadership and vision to propel the Hawkeyes into the next phase.”

Tanya Chaplin, Head Coach, Oregon State
“Jen is an exceptional coach, mentor, and teacher, dedicated to developing and empowering her athletes at every stage of their journey. Her enthusiasm and passion for the sport are contagious. It has been exciting to watch her succeed at every step of her journey, from a student-athlete to a championship coach. I am excited to watch her thrive at Iowa.”