LAKE CHARLES – McNeese's
Grace McKenzie earned All-America honors on Friday when she finished in eighth place in the pentathlon with 4230 points at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Her point total beat her own school, Southland Conference and Irish National records – the school and SLC mark by 19 points and the Irish record by 15 points.
She becomes the first Cowgirl indoor All-American since
La'Shantena Rounds in the weight throw in 2014 when she finished in fourth place.
In addition to breaking her own school record on Friday, McKenzie broke her own records in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.57 and in the high jump at 5-feet, 8 ¾-inches. She finished third in the 800-meters (2:13.95) that boosted her from 11
th to eighth place in the final standings.
Michelle Atherley of the University of Miami won the event with 4547 points followed by Jordan Gray of Kennesaw State (4412) and Ashtin Zamzow of Texas (4294) to round out the top three competitors.
MCNEESE OPENS OUTDOOR SEASON ON SATURDAY HOSTING COWBOY RELAYS
McNeese will open up its 2019 outdoor track and field season on Saturday when it hosts the annual Cowboy Relays/Bob Hayes Challenge at the Bill and Lena Henning Track Complex.
Events will get underway at 9 a.m. with the men's hammer throw followed by the women. Running events will start at noon with the 4x200-meter relay and will continue a rolling schedule.
"We're excited to get the outdoor season underway," said head coach
Brendon Gilroy. "We're expecting over 600 athletes."
Joining McNeese in the field of teams will be men's and women's squads from ULL, ULM, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana, Dillard, LeTourneau, East Texas Baptist, Alcorn State, Louisiana College, Wiley College, R.K. Athletics, US Express Elite Track Club, and McNeese Alumni.
Live results can be followed online on the McNeeseSports.com website.
