DES MOINES, Iowa — Illinois graduate David Kendziera became the first in more than 70 years to reach both hurdling finals Sunday at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, making history to cap his Illini career.
Kendziera, the first in U.S. Championship history to qualify for both the 110- and 400-meter hurdles finals since Arky Erwin in 1945, earned a fifth-place medal Saturday night in the 400 hurdles and $2,000 in prize money.
He earned the fourth qualifying spot out of his heat in Sunday's 110 hurdles final before being called for a false start.
Kendziera is the first collegiate runner to accomplish the feat since Rice's Bill Cummins in 1942.