Angela Bizzarri burst onto the national track and field scene two years ago.

The unknown sophomore from Mason, Ohio, made a name for herself after finishing runner-up in the 5,000 meters at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

She lost to Sally Kipyego, who in winning had accomplished for the second time a feat otherwise achieved by just one other person: the track and field “triple crown.”

Kipyego won NCAA cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field titles in the same year twice during her two-and-a-half years competing for Texas Tech (2006-07, 07-08). Arizona’s Amy Skieresz (1996-97) joins Kipyego as the only other woman to achieve the feat.

After this week’s 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Bizzarri could add her name to the list.

The Illini senior looks to cap her illustrious Illinois career Friday with a victory in the 5,000 meters — which would count for her fourth career NCAA title and would complete a triple crown for the 2009-10 season.

And she’ll attempt it in Eugene, Oregon, a venue that has treated the nine-time All-American well.

Bizzarri has competed in the house that Steve Prefontaine built twice: once in the 2008 USA Olympic Trials and again for the 2009 USA Championships.

“I’ve had positive experiences both times,” Bizzarri said. “I think I’ve (ran personal-bests) both meets too, so hopefully continue to do that,” she added with a modest laugh.

This time one year ago, Bizzarri had yet to win a national title. But with Kipyego having finished her track and field career after the 2008 indoor season, Bizzarri became the favorite in the outdoor 5,000 in 2009. She went on to win the 5,000 title and has won every national title she’s vied for since.

Heading into her final collegiate race, Illinois distance coach Jeremy Rasmussen said circumstances are different than when Bizzarri looked for her first national title.

“Last year she was the heavy favorite going in,” Rasmussen said. “This year, to be quite honest, I don’t even know if she is the favorite going in.”

Bizzarri enters this year’s 5,000 finals ranked second behind Iowa State’s Lisa Koll. But Illinois head coach Tonja Buford-Bailey said not to count Bizzarri out.

“She may not have the No. 1 ranked time going in, but I wouldn’t count against her that she won’t get it,” Buford-Bailey said.

Win or lose, Bizzarri said it is starting to hit her that Friday marks her last collegiate race. While Bizzarri will likely continue to run competitively after college, she will no longer compete under a school’s name or with Illini teammates.

“I know going on from here I’m always going to look back on it with a positive attitude and some nostalgia, I’m sure, for competing with teammates. Really being around the team I think is the major aspect that I’ll miss,” Bizzarri said.

The senior will be joined in Oregon by seven teammates competing in six events for the No. 24 Illini. With athletes like Bizzarri and senior Aja Evans boasting experience at the national level, Buford-Bailey said her advice for her athletes is simple.

“Just go and have fun and do what you’ve been doing in training,” Buford-Bailey said. “If you do what you know (you’ve done) even throughout the season, then they’ll be fine.”