Meister Nabs Spot in Friday's Finals at NCAA Championships
6/7/2007 9:53:04 AM | Women's Track & Field
Lauren Biggers
SACRAMENTO, Calif.- Davidson's freshman high jumper Kristen Meister extended her outstanding rookie season a few more days, grabbing a coveted spot in the finals at the 2007 NCAA Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, Calif. on Wednesday afternoon.
Meister finished in a three-way tie for 12th place to secure a spot in Friday's finals, scheduled for 8:15 p.m. (EST).
From the field of 27, the top 12 (with ties included at 12th place and up to 16 athletes) advanced to the finals. Eleven athletes cleared 1.80 meters, and Meister, along with LSU's Shaunette Davidson and Syracuse's Jillian Drouin, cleared 1.77 meters with no misses to finish tied in 12th place and advance to Friday's competition.
“The hardest part of the meet was today, because of the 27 high jumpers anyone could have qualified,” Meister said. “It's been a phenomenal experience. They way they cater to the athletes, the awesome facilities, the extremely qualified and helpful officials, it has been really great.”
Rhonda Watkins (UCLA), Kaylene Wagner (Kansas State), Lacy Wilson (Texas Tech), Miruna Mataoanu (Alabama), Levern Spencer (Georgia), Inika McPherson (California), Destinee Hooker (Texas), Sharon Day (Cal Poly), Kristina Bolterstein (Miami-Ohio), Peaches Roach (Iowa) and Rebecca Christensen cleared 1.80 meters and round out the field for Friday's finals. Meister, just the second Wildcat woman trackster to qualify for nationals, is the lone freshman remaining in the group.
“I am extremely proud of Kristen,” head coach Jen Straub said. “When we recruited her, we knew that she had All-American potential, and she has not disappointed. She has had a great season, and I couldn't be more excited for her!”
With the bar starting at 1.70 meters, Meister cleared the next two progressions – 1.74 meters and 1.77 meters – as well with no misses, before running into trouble at 1.80 meters.
But misses ended up being the deciding factor when the officials gathered to determine the field for the finals. With the top 12 advancing and up to 16 spots available, Meister, Davidson and Drouin finished tied in 12th place to make the cut.
“It was nerve wracking waiting to find out if I qualified,” Meister said. “But when I found out that I qualified I was overjoyed.”
The 14 athletes will compete in the finals at 8:15 p.m. (EST) on Friday afternoon.
“It's the last meet of the year, and I just want to have fun,” Meister said. “There are 14 phenomenal athletes in the meet, and we all have a chance to have a great day. I'm just hoping to have my best meet of the year.”
