Cougars Advance Two in Rain Delayed Opening Day

FAYETTEVILLE -- The No. 24 ranked BYU women’s track team advanced two athletes on Wednesday at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.

“This is a great venue, unfortunately we haven’t been able to compete in all of our events due to rain delays,” said BYU throwing coach Dick Legas. “However, in the few events we’ve had in the opening day, we have done a great job.”

Ada Robinson was one of the highlight performers for BYU, making her first journey to nationals a success. The freshman standout advanced to Friday’s high jump finals. Robinson ended the day tied for first, clearing 5’9.75”.

Lacey Cramer took the first step to defending her 800-meter Indoor National Championship title by advancing to Thursday’s semifinals. Running a smart race and saving herself for the second round, Cramer finished second in her heat with a time of 2:05.33.

“I’m very proud of how Lacey ran,” said BYU women’s distance coach Patrick Shane. “She ran a tactical and savvy race, which you wouldn’t expect to see from a freshman.”

Senior Ilze Gribule was unable to advance, ending her successful career as a Cougar. The Latvian native, who has been suffering from an achilles injury all week long, ranks sixth in the javelin event on BYU’s all-time record list with a throw of 169’6”.

“Ilze would have advanced with her last attempt, but it was waved flat, which is unfortunate,” Legas said. “Ilze has been a bright spot in our program and will be greatly missed.”

The Cougars will continue to compete on Thursday, beginning with Amy Menlove's heptathlon at 11:15 a.m. CT.

Cougars Competing at Nationals

Name Event Schedule/Results

Ada Robinson High Jump Advanced to finals on Friday

Lacey Cramer 800m Advanced to second round on Thursday

Ilze Gribule Javelin Did not advance

Mindy Neeley-McClurkin Long Jump Did not advance

Kari McAllister-Clark Pole Vault Did not advance

Amy Menlove Heptathlon Thurs., 11:15 a.m.

Mindy Neeley-McClurkin Long Jump Thurs., 4:45 p.m.

Katie Palmer 1500m Thurs., 7:55 p.m.

Cecily Lemmon 10000m Thurs., 8:55 p.m.