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Simpson-Sullivan Places Second, Van der Westhuizen Third at NCAA Championships
6/7/2024 1:09:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
EUGENE – The Rice women's track and field team had a stellar opening day of the women's competition at the 2024 NCAA DI Outdoor Championships. The Owls finished with both athletes reaching the podium, securing two top-three finishes on the day.
Tara Simpson-Sullivan closed her collegiate career with a second-place finish in the hammer throw, while Mckyla Van der Westhuizen had a third-place finish in the javelin.
Simpson-Sullivan opened the competition for Rice, securing a spot in the finals on her third attempt in flight one. She later jumped into second place after launching a personal best throw of 69.94m, securing her best finish at a championship meet. Simpson-Sullivan's throw broke her own school record and the AAC record. She earns her seventh All-American honor and third First Team All-American honor.
Over at the javelin, Van der Westhuizen used a personal best throw on her final attempt to move from fifth to third place. The mark earns Van der Westhuizen her second All-American honor and first First Team All-American honor.
Post-Meet Reaction - Head Coach Jim Bevan
"What a tremendous day for the Owls. We couldn't have asked for better results. Two clutch performances by Tara and Mckyla. Tara had a lot of suspense with a foul on her first throw and a 58-meter throw on her second. With her back against the wall, she threw a season-best of 67.93m to advance to the finals. In her last competition, she later throws a lifetime best in the fifth round of 69.94m (229-05) to finish second. Tara has always been a clutch performer and one of the best athletes in Rice history. She is a Joyce Pounds Hardy Award winner and a tremendous leader. What a tremendous way to finish her storied Rice career.
Then, two hours later, the javelin competition starts. Mckyla opens with a good 55-meter throw to make the finals. Then, just like Tara, during the last round, she moves from fifth to third with a lifetime-best throw of 57.51m. Another clutch performance by another great thrower, and she's only a sophomore.
The week started by honoring one of the greats, Regina Cavanaugh, who was inducted into the Collegiate Track and Field Hall of Fame. I think the spirit of Regina is flowing through our throwers in Eugene this week.
I want to be extremely thankful and complimentary of our throws coach, Brek Christensen. He does a tremendous job and is one of the best throws coaches in the country. He has mentored these young ladies through their careers to achieve these great achievements."
RESULTS
Hammer Throw
2. Tara Simpson-Sullivan – 69.94m (229-05) – Personal Best – School Record – AAC Record
Javelin
3. Mckyla Van der Westhuizen – 57.51m (188-08) – Personal Best
UP NEXT
Eliza Kraule will start her competition in the heptathlon tomorrow.
Tara Simpson-Sullivan closed her collegiate career with a second-place finish in the hammer throw, while Mckyla Van der Westhuizen had a third-place finish in the javelin.
Simpson-Sullivan opened the competition for Rice, securing a spot in the finals on her third attempt in flight one. She later jumped into second place after launching a personal best throw of 69.94m, securing her best finish at a championship meet. Simpson-Sullivan's throw broke her own school record and the AAC record. She earns her seventh All-American honor and third First Team All-American honor.
Over at the javelin, Van der Westhuizen used a personal best throw on her final attempt to move from fifth to third place. The mark earns Van der Westhuizen her second All-American honor and first First Team All-American honor.
"What a tremendous day for the Owls. We couldn't have asked for better results. Two clutch performances by Tara and Mckyla. Tara had a lot of suspense with a foul on her first throw and a 58-meter throw on her second. With her back against the wall, she threw a season-best of 67.93m to advance to the finals. In her last competition, she later throws a lifetime best in the fifth round of 69.94m (229-05) to finish second. Tara has always been a clutch performer and one of the best athletes in Rice history. She is a Joyce Pounds Hardy Award winner and a tremendous leader. What a tremendous way to finish her storied Rice career.
Then, two hours later, the javelin competition starts. Mckyla opens with a good 55-meter throw to make the finals. Then, just like Tara, during the last round, she moves from fifth to third with a lifetime-best throw of 57.51m. Another clutch performance by another great thrower, and she's only a sophomore.
The week started by honoring one of the greats, Regina Cavanaugh, who was inducted into the Collegiate Track and Field Hall of Fame. I think the spirit of Regina is flowing through our throwers in Eugene this week.
I want to be extremely thankful and complimentary of our throws coach, Brek Christensen. He does a tremendous job and is one of the best throws coaches in the country. He has mentored these young ladies through their careers to achieve these great achievements."
Hammer Throw
2. Tara Simpson-Sullivan – 69.94m (229-05) – Personal Best – School Record – AAC Record
Javelin
3. Mckyla Van der Westhuizen – 57.51m (188-08) – Personal Best
Eliza Kraule will start her competition in the heptathlon tomorrow.
Players Mentioned
Multis
/ Women's Track & Field
Throws
/ Women's Track & Field
Javelin
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