EUGENE, OREGON – University of Iowa track and field senior sprinter Kalen Walker became an individual Big Ten champion for the first time in his career on Sunday, winning the 100 meters in 10.17 at Hayward Field.
The native of Eddyville, Iowa, led wire-to-wire and held off USC’s Eddie Nketia (10.18) to win the title. The win gained the Iowa men 10 team points.
“Kalen had a rocket start, stayed patient and drove the entire way,” Iowa Director of Track and Field Joey Woody said. “He maintained his rhythm all the way through the tape to win his first individual Big Ten title while beating a stellar field of sprinters. It was a truly amazing moment for him after battling through a lot of injuries over the last couple years.”
Walker (pictured at top via Hawkeye Athletics) became Iowa’s fifth champion in the 100 meters and first since Justin Austin was crowned in 2013. He joins two-time champion George Page (1995-96), Tim Dwight (1999) and Austin as a 100-meter Big Ten champion. Walker’s 10.17 finish was the second-fastest among the Hawkeye winners in the event.
The Iowa men placed seventh with 59 points.