BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Penn State track & field program saw four of its six student-athletes compete during the first day of competition at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships Friday (March 8).
Maddie Holmberg was the first Nittany Lion to compete, beginning the pentathlon with the 60m hurdles. Holmberg clocked a time of 8.52 seconds to place her eighth after the first event.
In the second event for Holmberg, she recorded a height of 5-3 (1.60m) in the high jump. Through two events, Holmberg accumulated 2,042 points.
Holmberg won the shot put event with a throw of 47-10 (14.58m) and brought her point total to 2,582. The outstanding performance brought Holmberg to ninth in the pentathlon standings. The 47-10 (14.58m) throw was a personal-best.
Following her career-best shot put throw, Holmberg registered 19-1.5 (5.83m) in the long jump. This distance was good for seventh.
In the final event, the 800-meter run, Holmberg clocked a time of 2:18.30. This rose Holmberg's point total to 4,227. The 4,227-point score was a personal-best and placed Holmberg ninth in the final standings.
"Maddie had an incredible performance after missing the Big-Ten Championships due to injury," said head coach John Gondak. "She's a fantastic competitor. When you can set your personal-best at the national championships, that is an outstanding accomplishment."
Her ninth-place finish gave Holmberg the distinction as a second team All-American.
Alexis Holmes was the next Nittany Lion to compete. Holmes' won her heat in the 400-meter race with a time of 52.82. Holmes' time was the second-best time after the preliminary round.
Danae Rivers followed up Holmes' performance by qualifying for Saturday's final in the 800-meter race. Rivers ran the race in 2:06.15. The three-time Big Ten champion returns to the 800-meter final for the third time in her career.
"I am really excited for Alexis and Danae to make the finals. Alexis ran like a seasoned veteran even after there was contact at 200-meter mark. She was still able to finish with the second-fastest time despite the contact. Danae advanced to the final for the third year in a row and put herself in a place to earn a third All-American award." Gondak added.
Domenic Perretta was the final athlete to compete for the Nittany Lions on Friday night. Perretta advanced to the final following a formal protest. Perrata was tripped in the final 100-meters, causing Perrata to finish below the qualifying time for the final. It was ruled that he was impeded during his run and was awarded a spot in the 800-meter final. He will run for his first All-American distinction.
Five Nittany Lions will compete on Saturday (March 9) during the final day of competition. All-American David Lucas looks to defend his title in the weight throw. Lucas' teammate, Morgan Shigo, joins him in the weight throw final. Alexis Holmes and Danae Rivers look to add to their impressive seasons in the 400- and 800-meter races. Domenic Perretta rounds out Saturday's competition in the 800-meter final.
Nittany Lions Saturday Schedule
David Lucas and Morgan Shigo: Weight Throw Final- 2:00 PM (CT)
Alexis Holmes: 400-Meter Final- 4:50 PM (CT)
Danae Rivers: 800-Meter Final- 5:30 PM (CT)
Domenic Perretta: 800-Meter Final- 5:40 PM (CT)