Brooke Andersen Concludes Lumberjack Career with Third-Place Finish at USATF Championships

DES MOINES, Iowa - Brooke Andersen concluded one of the best careers in Northern Arizona University history with a bronze medal in the final of the women's hammer throw on the third day of the 2018 USATF Outdoor National Championships at Drake Stadium on Saturday.

Andersen recorded a best mark of 72.17 meters that she set on her first throw of the competition. She went on to record tosses of 71.76, 69.38 and 70.61 meters to go with two fouls that she had in the second and sixth attempt.

It was the highest finish for Andersen at a USATF national meet and a seven spot improvement from her 10th-place finish at the 2017 USATF Outdoor Championships. The performance was also the third-best showing of her outdoor season this year.

"It was very special to witness Brooke's final throws in the NAU uniform today as she cemented herself as one of the nation's best in the hammer at the US Championships," director of track and field Michael Smith said. "A podium finish at this meet secures this season as unforgettable."

The only two people to finish ahead of Andersen were professionals and the winner, Deanna Prince, recorded an American record of 78.12 meters. Andersen edged out Janea Stewart who was the NCAA Champion in the event at outdoor nationals.

"Brooke is truly one of the best athletes to represent this program," Smith added. "Coach Nathan Ott has done an incredible job managing one of the top talents we have ever seen. Brooke's competing with America's best today was a preview of what's to come in her post collegiate career and all of NAU Track and Field will be her greatest supporters"

Andersen was one of the best to compete in the hammer in NCAA history. She ends her NAU career being a two-time NCAA runner up in the event, ranking No. 2 all-time in NCAA history with a personal best of 74.20 meters and earning two First Team All-American honors.

The now graduated senior from Vista, Calif. was also a two-time Second Team All-American in the weight throw. She finishes up her collegiate career as an 11-time Big Sky Champion (seven team, four individual) and the NAU and Big Sky record holder in the hammer and weight throw.

Andersen signed with an agent and will be pursuing a professional career so while it was her last meet for NAU it isn't the last that we will hear from her.

Jasmine Malone also competed and wrapped up her season as one of the best sprinters in the country as she came in 28th in the opening round of the women's 200-meter dash.

Malone was a late add to the event and recorded a time of 24.21. She advanced to Friday's 400-meter dash semifinals and placed 16th in the nation at 54.29.

The standout will be back for her senior campaign at NAU in 2018-19.