Returning All-Americans Patrick Richards and Erik Sowinski highlighted what head coach Larry Wieczorek called a "very good" intrasquad meet for the men’s track and field team Dec. 4 in the UI Recreation Building.

Richards and Sowinski each ran the final leg of their respective team’s thrilling 1,600 meter relay — an event both were named All-Americans in last year.

Richards, who crossed the finish line for the Black Squad at 3:16.68, barely beat out Sowinski’s Gold Squad finishing time of 3:16.71.

Overall, the Black Squad defeated the Gold Squad, 68-50.

Sowinski was also involved in a close finish in the 1,000-meter run. The junior captain finished in 2:26.55, edging out Adam Hairston’s second-place time of 2:26.96.

Another highlight came from Steven Willey. Though not an official meet, the senior set a personal best in the 600 meters with a time of 1:18.83.

"Overall, I feel real optimistic and real positive about what we did tonight," Wieczorek said. "I’d say it’s probably one of our better, if not our best, intrasquad meets that we’ve had."

The Hawkeye men will officially start their indoor season during the holiday break when they travel to Champaign for the Illinois Open on Jan 8.

— by Ben Schuff