Wayment runs rampant at USATF Championships

EUGENE, Ore. — Courtney Wayment's silver medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase headlined those of eight current or former BYU athletes who competed at the USATF Championships at Hayward Field June 24-26. 

Wayment launched her professional career by picking up where she left off in Eugene just weeks ago at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships. The Layton, Utah native set yet another personal-best in the steeplechase at 9:12.10 to finish runner-up behind only three-time Olympian Emma Coburn. 

Wayment reached the steeplechase final with a seventh-place semifinal finish at 9:41.64. 

Wayment advances to the 2022 World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field where she will compete in the women's steeplechase heats on July 16 at 10:35 a.m. PDT. 

Ashton Riner finished fourth overall in the women's javelin with a throw of 56.52m/185-5. Riner's mark was good for the best finish among collegian competitors, putting her past Seri Geisler of Stephen F. Austin, Maddie Harris of Nebraska and Gabrielle Diederich of Notre Dame. 

Alex McAllister joined Riner in the javelin competition, finishing 14th at 48.92m/160-6. 

Four current BYU men's athletes also competed at USATFs. 

Kenneth Rooks clocked 8:37.17 to finish 10th in the men's steeplechase. Rooks was one of just four collegians to reach the final. 

Zach McWhorter cleared 5.60m/18-4.5 to take ninth in the men's pole vault. 

Michael Whittaker threw 64.93m/213-0, finishing 15th in the men's javelin. 

Casey Clinger finished 15th in the men's 5000m final at 13:51.60. 

Former BYU two-time national champion Conner Mantz continues his distance prowess as a professional competitor for Nike Running. Mantz came in fourth in the 5000m with a personal-best of 13:11.81.