After managing seven points during the first day at the Big Ten championships, the Iowa men’s track and field team finished fifth in Minneapolis — an improvement over last year.

Defending conference champion and host team Minnesota took the Big Ten crown yet again.

Solid performances from Erik Sowinski, Ray Varner, Kevin Dibbern, and Steven Willey in the 4-by-400-meter relay helped pace the Hawkeyes to a finish in the top half of the conference — a feat Iowa throwing coach Scott Cappos had prognosticated before the meet.

The Hawkeyes will have one last chance to qualify for the NCAA meet this weekend in Fayetteville, Ark.

— by Matt Schommer