When Latisha Johnson broke the school and Missouri Valley Conference record in the shot put at the 2004 NCAA Mideast Regional two weeks ago, she held the 22nd best throw in the country at 53-1 3/4.
During Thursdays NCAA National meet in Austin, Texas, Johnson threw a mark of 50-9 1/4, placing her 21st on the evening. Although Johnson did not qualify for Saturdays final, Illinois State track and field assistant coach for throws Brent Chumbley was happy to see her place one spot ahead of her overall national ranking.
She came in No. 22 and finished 21st tonight, Chumbley said. Thats just kind of how it happens at the national meet. People generally place where theyre supposed to place. I look at it as she finished higher than where she came in. Its about competing and performing, and Latisha competed.
Johnson was happy to have the chance to compete at a national level in her final meet as a Redbird.
It was a great experience and its something every athlete should aspire to get to, Johnson said of the Nationals. I was very happy to be a part of this competition.
Chumbley was happy to see Johnson compete at the highest level in the country.
Overall, the experience was good, he said. She threw a respectable mark. It wasnt what we had hoped for, but Im very proud of the way Latisha performed this entire season.
Because Johnson still has the 22rd best throw in the country, she is currently on track to compete at the USA Olympic Trials July 9-18 in Sacramento, Calif.
Were hoping for the best right now, Chumbley said. Hopefully everything holds up and she is able to go to the trials next month.
