BRADENTON, Fla. - Kirby Neale achieved the highest placing for a female competitor in Saint Martin's history, along with breaking the GNAC and school record, was named an All-American in the hammer throw after placing fourth overall at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

COMPLETE RESULTS

After the first day of the three day NCAA Championships, Neale earned five points for Saint Martin's after throwing an impressive 59.34-meters or 194-feet, 8-inches. Her mark came in her third and final throw of her flight, after fouling on the first attempt and hitting 57.13-meters in the second. Neale won her flight and advanced to the finals, where she threw for 56.03-meters, fouled, and wrapped up with a 55.59-meter toss. 

"Kirby (Neale) had an amazing day today," said head coach Jim Brewer. "She entered the meet at 13th and finished 4th. Myself, Dwight Midles (Hammer coach) and many others are very proud of her. Her first throw of the meet, she barely fouled out in the ring, and could have been a personal record. Kirby (Neale) quickly found her rhythm and she has set the bar high for our other three qualifiers to follow".

Neale broke the GNAC conference record, that was set only two weeks ago when Concordia's McKenzie Warren narrowly defeated Neale for the crown with a mark of 58.14-meters. Neale now holds the longest and third longest throws in conference history.  

Edging out Neale was champion Mel Herl from Chadron State (65.27-meters), Michaela Dendinger from Wayne State (62.82), and Destiney Coward from Southern Connecticut (59.52). 

Also competing at the NCAA Outdoor Championships will be Jona Spiller and Deanna Avalos in the javelin throw and Mikel Smith on the men's side in the high jump. All three Saints will compete on Saturday, starting with the women's javelin at 5:30 a.m. and concluding with men's high jump at 11:30 a.m. pacific time. Live stats can be found here.