Lauren Stuart Advances to NCAA Final for NAU T&F
/ May 31, 2014
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona University's track and field team completed competition at the NCAA Division-1 Outdoor Championships West Preliminary Round today. The Lumberjacks had six athletes compete during day three of competition, one of which qualified for the NCAA Final Championships in Oregon making a grand total of three to advance.
"This is the best competition in the west," said director of track & field and cross country Eric Heins. "It is tough to move on against such a strong field of competitors. My hat goes off to those three athletes that were able to get through."
Lauren Stuart and Brooke Andersen got the #NAUTakeover started competing in the women's hammer throw. Stuart had an impressive outing throwing a best of 201 (61.27m), reserving herself a slot on the start list in Oregon. The senior took third in her flight and fourth overall. Andersen's fantastic freshman campaign comes to a close after throwing a best of 181-1 (55.19m) in route to a seventh place finish in her flight.
"This has been my goal all year," said Stuart. "It wasn't my best performance but whatever it took to get me through to Oregon. Looking forward I just have to be smarter with my hydration so that I am able to compete at a high level through all six throws."
Micael Ljunberg competed in the men's discus throw for NAU. Ljunberg threw a best mark of 176-11 (53.93m) to get fourth place in his flight. The sophomore's mark fell outside of the top-16 to advance to the finals thus bringing his season to a close.
Lauren Laszczak represented NAU in an intense women's high jump competition. Laszczak opened up the event with two graceful clearances over 5-5.75 (1.67m) and her best of 5-7.5 (1.72m) before striking out at 5-9.75 (1.77m). The senior then had to try her luck in a jump-off against seven other athletes with the top-two finishers getting a bid to Oregon. Laszczak fell just short, ending a decorated career at NAU.
Brian Shrader competed in the men's 5000m run, attempting to get a spot in Oregon. Shrader 's time of 13:59.88 was good for tenth place in his heat and overall. The junior fell just one slot short of advancing to the final.
Concluding the weekend for NAU was Melanie Townsend in the women's 5000m run. Townsend's 16:47.05 effort garnered her a 14th place finish in her heat. The sophomore came into the event ranked 22nd in the region with a best of 16:10.3.
