JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Freshman Julia Paternain was the final Nittany Lion to secure her spot at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with her performance in the 5000m. Five Nittany Lions will represent Penn State at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Austin, Texas.
RECAP
The 5000m race was the final competition for Penn State at the NCAA East Prelims on Saturday, May 25. After narrowly missing qualifying in the 10,000m race, Paternain ensured her trip to Austin by running a strong race in the 5000m. Paternain kept a consistent pace throughout the entire race and finished in a time of 16:29.56 to finish fifth and book her first trip to the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Senior Devin Bradham turned in a gutsy performance in the men's high jump on Saturday, just missing qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Bradham and two other competitors went to a jump off to determine the final qualifier.
The five Nittany Lions that travel to Austin, Texas are Danae Rivers, Morgan Shigo, Mark Porter, Julia Paternain and Noah Swaby
Rivers' qualifying time of 2:03.58 in the 800m was her best of the season as she looks to defend her 800m indoor national title. Rivers returns to the NCAA Outdoor Championships after finishing eighth in the 1500m race last year.
Senior Morgan Shigo also returns to the NCAA Championships in the men's hammer throw. Shigo set the school record in the hammer throw at last year's championships en route to his sixth-place finish
Mark Porter makes his first appearance at the NCAA Championships, qualifying in the men's javelin. Porter finished second at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships and sixth at the NCAA East Prelims to qualify for the championships.
Noah Swaby's versatility was on full display at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. His point total of 7,411 points qualified Swaby for the NCAA Championships. He had six personal-best marks at the Big Ten meet and he finished third at the Big Ten Championships.
The Nittany Lions will compete at the NCAA Outdoor Championships June 5 through June 8.
For more information on Penn State track & field, visit gopsusports.com
