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May 21, 2009
IUP sophomore Nafee Harris claimed the national title in the long jump and two other Crimson Hawk athletes as well as a relay team advanced to the finals in their events on the first day of the NCAA outdoor track and field championships at San Angelo, Texas. Harris became the 12th national champion in IUP track and field history and the first ever in a jumping event, moving up from second to first on his final attempt of the day. His winning jump of 26 feet, 1 ¾ inches was 2 ¼ inches better than runner-up David Registe of Alaska Anchorage and broke the IUP record of 24-9 ¾ held by Jermaine Clayton since 2003. Combined with Sean Strauman's win in the 800 meters last spring, IUP has a national champion in consecutive years for the first time since 2001 and 2002 seasons. Harris, who was fifth in the indoor long jump in March, is only the second IUP athlete to earn All-America status in a jumping event, joining Chris Gardner in the high jump from last year. Harris also teamed with Hopeton Bailey, Kevin Raymond and Tristan Taylor to qualify for the finals in the 4x100 meter relay. The quartet's time of 40.60 lowered their school record of 40.69 that was set at the PSAC meet earlier this month and was the sixth fastest time in the prelims. Raymond and Maddy Outman also advanced to event finals with Raymond setting the third school record Thursday. His time of 46.71 in the 400 meters placed him fifth in the prelims and sliced .09 off his school record time that he established in winning the PSAC title. Outman had a busy day Thursday, qualifying for the finals in the 400 meter hurdles while competing in four of the seven events that comprise the heptathlon. She had a time of 1:00.73 in the hurdles and will be seeded sixth in the finals. She posted a total of 2,591 points and stands 11th in the heptathlon with the final three events scheduled for Friday. Outman had a time of 14.06 in taking second in the 100 meter hurdles, her fastest time ever in the event during the heptathlon and only .02 off her overall school record in the event. She was also fourth in the 200 meters in 25.51. The heptathlon concludes with the long jump, javelin and 800 meters Friday. In addition to the heptathlon, IUP athletes will be competing in three other events Friday, including Outman in the prelims of the 100 meter hurdles, Brianna Liebold in the triple jump and Ben Hatch in the prelims of the 800 meters. Russ Langley and Tiffany Corle will be in action in the javelin on the final day of the meet Saturday. All finals in running events will also take place Saturday. |
