By Katie Kane for MSNsportsNET.com
June 08, 2011 10:46 PM
DES MOINES, Iowa – West Virginia University juniors Kate Harrison and Sarah-Anne Brault closed out the final event of day one at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with a second-place and 10th place finish, respectively, in the 10,000-meter run.
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| Junior Kate Harrison finishes second in the women's 10K at tonight's NCAA outdoor track and field championships being held in Des Moines, Iowa. | |
| Kirby Lee photo | |
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“That race was incredible,” coach Sean Cleary said. “Two girls in the top 10 in the country, an NCAA runner-up and both juniors--I could not be happier.”
Harrison entered the event ranked 16th nationally, and finished with the Silver medal with a time of 34:30.35. The second-place finish earned Harrison first team All-America honors.
“Having never qualified for this meet, to be in contention with 500 meters to go before getting tripped, is spectacular,” Cleary explained. “I am so proud she was able to regain her composure to get back in contention for a victory.”
Teammate Brault earned second team All-America accolades after crossing the line in 35:05.36.
“Our group of 10k girls, including Katie Gillespie and Ahna Lewis, were on a mission the entire outdoor season,” Cleary said. “Their performances are reflective of their hard work.”
Meanwhile, earlier today senior April Rotilio and junior Meghan Mock finished with third team all-America honors in their respective events.
“If you would have asked a true track fan 18 months ago, would Meghan Mock and April Rotilio be leaving the NCAA Championships as all-Americans, few would have seen this vision,” coach Sean Cleary said.
Rotilio earned the honor as she finished sixth in her heat and 19th overall in the 400-meter dash preliminary round with a time of 53.47.
“For Rotilio, who epitomizes the phrase ‘student-athlete’, as my captain, she carried this team on her back. I could not be prouder, and we will miss her dearly,” Cleary said.
Mock finished the long jump in 20th place, reaching 6.02 meters on her third jump.
“Meghan showed me on her third attempt that she will be back at this meet next year to contend for the finals,” Cleary explained.
In day two of the NCAA Championships on Thursday, June 9, senior Katelyn Williams will compete in the high jump at 6:30 p.m., senior Keri Bland will compete in the 1,500-meter run semifinals at 7 p.m. and Carrier will compete in the 100-meter hurdles semifinals at 7:50 p.m. Carrier will also take on the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200-meter dash as part of the heptathlon, which will conclude on Friday.