Mountaineers close NCAA championships with three All-Americans
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University track and field team concluded competition at the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Saturday at Hayward Field, as Mercy Kinyanjui and Annishka McDonald each earned All-America honors for the Mountaineers.
Kinyanjui capped off an outstanding season with a First Team All-America performance in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase. She placed eighth in the national final with a time of 9:50.03 after qualifying for the championship race on Thursday with a personal-best mark of 9:43.10.
McDonald also earned All-America recognition in the women’s high jump. She cleared 1.79 meters to finish 13th overall and secure Second Team All-America honors in her first appearance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
The pair joined Joy Naukot, who earned First Team All-America honors in the women’s 10,000 meters on Thursday, giving West Virginia three All-Americans at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
“We have been competing since football season and are still performing while baseball is making its incredible run in Omaha,” WVU coach Sean Cleary said. “That is a testament to the commitment these three student-athletes have made to their sport.”
“I could not be happier to leave Eugene with three All-Americans, all of whom will be back with us next year.”
“These young women have represented our team, department, university and the entire state of West Virginia with tremendous poise, pride and dedication. We are very proud of so many women within this program, and to have these three still competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics is a compliment to everyone who helped make it possible.”
NCAA Championship Results
High Jump
13th – Annishka McDonald – 1.79m
3,000 meters steeplechase
8th – Mercy Kinyanjui – 9:50.03
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