Nov. 12, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois Director of Athletics Ron Guenther announced today that Wayne Angel has resigned after six full seasons as head coach of the UI men's track and field program. The resignation is effective immediately.

"Almost half of my life has been dedicated to the sport of track and field and I've been blessed to spend the past seven years fulfilling my dream of serving my alma mater as head men's track and field coach," Angel said. "It was with a heavy heart that I notified Athletics Director Ron Guenther of my intention to pursue other career opportunities and interests.

"While I will always be an Illini and definitely a staunch supporter of our program, I will definitely miss the day-to-day interaction with the team." Angel continued. "I leave confident knowing that these young men will not only complete their education but will also restore Illinois track and field to prominence. I want to personally thank Ron Guenther and his administration for their vision and support."

During Angel's six seasons as head coach, the Illini had four top-four finishes at the Big Ten Championships and coached the 2006 squad to 23rd place at the NCAA Indoor Championships. His 2006 4x400m relay team was runner-up at the NCAA Championships and 15 of his student-athletes earned All-American honors. Angel coached 30 Big Ten Champions, including 14 individual titles and four relay titles, and had at least one Big Ten champion each year while at Illinois.

One of his student-athletes, Gakologelwang Masheto, competed at the 2008 Olympics, representing Botswana in the 400 meters. Masheto is also the collegiate record holder in the 500-meter dash. Angel had two Olympic Trials qualifiers in Adrian Walker and Abe Jones. Walker also won the 2007 NCAA Regional Championship in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. His student-athletes earned more than 70 All-Big Ten honors while coaching his squad to 13 school records.

"I want to thank Coach Angel for his service to the University of Illinois," Guenther said. "He cares very deeply about the Illinois track program and the University of Illinois. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. We plan to conduct a search for a permanent replacement in the late spring."

Assistant coach Mike Turk has been named interim coach for the 2010 season.