May 26, 2007
Results
COLUMBIA, Mo. -
Junior Alex Straughn finished in fourth place in the men's high jump, recording the Illinois State track and field team's best finish at the NCAA Mideast Regional and will automatically advance to the NCAA Championships. Straughn cleared a personal and season-best height of 6-11.00 feet at Audrey J. Walton Stadium Saturday in Columbia, Mo.
Assistant coach Tim Thompson was proud of the way Straughn was able to jump, believing that his hard work during the season paid off.
"Alex has been working hard all year," said Thompson. "He qualified for the regional last year, but was unable to go. So going into this year's regional, he really wanted to prove himself and show that he could compete with some of the best in the country. He was able to minimize his misses and really showcase his talent."
Sophomore Samantha Springer was the only other Redbird to compete on Saturday, finishing in 13th place in the women's discus throw. The Tremont, Ill., native tossed a distance of 153-11 feet, but was unable to advance to next week's NCAA Championships.
Straughn will travel to Sacramento, Calif., to compete at the NCAA Championships June 6-9.
