BYU track and field athletes concluded their season at the 2013 NCAA Outdoor National Championships June 5-7 in Eugene, Ore., with several athletes posting top-eight finishes and achieving All-American status.
The men’s team sent five athletes to the competition. Pole vaulter Victor Weirich was the first of the Cougars to compete. Coming off a first place finish at the MPSF championships, Weirich finished in fifth place in Eugene, with a personal best vault of 18-02.5.
Jared Ward placed eighth in the 10,000 meters with a time of 29:51.59. Ward ran aggressively throughout the race, holding second place until the last several laps. Teammate Tylor Thatcher also competed in the event, finishing in 14th place with a time of 30:07.12.
Curtis Carr rounded out BYU’s top placers, posting the fastest time for an American in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at 8:40.87, fast enough for a fourth place finish and a personal best time.
Ryan Waite also competed in his third NCAA championships in the 800 meters. Waite finished in eighth place in a preliminary heat, failing to advance.
Weirich, Ward and Carr were named All-Americans after their performances.
Kelsey Brown and Natalie Stewart competed for BYU on the women’s side.
Brown ran in the 800 meters, finishing ninth overall in her preliminary heat — one spot away from qualifying for the finals. Stewart concluded a successful senior season, placing 23rd overall in the 400 meters.
