SMU track sending six to NCAA Championship

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Six Mustangs Punch Tickets To NCAA Championship
Cvitanovic, Marten, 4x100 relay qualify for nationals

May 30, 2015


AUSTIN, Texas -- The SMU track & field team had an impressive final day at the NCAA West Preliminary on Saturday, as a total of six Mustangs earned bids to the NCAA Championship.

"It was a big last day for the Mustangs," said head coach Dave Wollman. "I'm espeically proud of Coach [Tony] Miller, breaking through with the sprint program earning its first ever 4x100 relay team to the NCAAs. I'm very confident that this is the first step to a prominent position as a sprint program in the future."

The 4x100 relay team of Rachel Scruggs, Stephanie Kalu, Shahira Ehiemua and Craishia Washington finished 10th overall (44.71), setting a new team-best time. The squad is the first 4x100 relay team in school history to qualify for the NCAA Championship.

Freshman Isabella Marten also secured a bid to NCAAs, finishing third overall in the triple jump with a mark of 13.06 meters. SMU has now had a freshman reach nationals for three consecutive years.

"Bella proved today that she is one of the top freshman in the country," said Wollman. "She competed like a senior with great confidence and accomplished the first step in what I think will be an outstanding career. Making it to the NCAA championship as a freshman is a rarity these days."

Lucija Cvitanovic was the sixth and final Mustang to qualify, placing 11th in the javelin with a throw of 46.92 meters.

"True champions show themelves not when they're on top and in a great shape, but when they hit the bottom, have to pick themeslves up and begin the climb again," said Wollman. "For Lucija to reach nationals with her all her injuries this year is an oustanding accomplishent. I'm very proud of her."

In other action on Friday, Tochi Nlemchi and Rayann Chin both competed in the shot put, with Nlemchi taking 17th (15.54m) and Chin placing 45th (13.74m). Kalu also ran in the 200-meter, finishing 18th (23.76).

The NCAA Championship, hosted by the University of Oregon, takes place June 10-13 in Eugene, Oregon. For more information on the national championship, visit the meet home page.

NCAA Qualifiers
Lucija Cvitanovic, Junior, Javelin
Shahira Ehiemua, Junior, 4x100 Relay
Stephanie Kalu, Senior, 4x100 Relay
Isabella Marten, Freshman, Triple Jump
Rachel Scruggs, Junior, 4x100 Relay
Craishia Washington, Senior, 4x100 Relay

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Good luck in Eugene!

[SMU Pony Mom]

Great job!! Good luck!

[smudubs]

And Wollman announced his retirement yesterday. I heard about it on Saturday but was waiting for the press release. He did a great job over his 28 years on the Hilltop.

[EastStang]

I assume they meant the first womens 4x100. I thought the Pouncey twins, Riddeau and one other guy qualified for the finals in the Men's 4 x 100.

[fifty]

Right. I don't think we even had women's track in the mid-80s when men's track was winning nationals.

Now we have women's track and don't even have men's track. Go figure.