BRADENTON, Fla. – Deanna Avalos and Mikel Smith earned All-American honors in the Women's Javelin Throw and Men's High Jump, with fourth and fifth places finishes respectively at the final day of the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
 
COMPLETE RESULTS
 
Mikel Smith passed the first height, 2.01-meters before clearing 2.06 on his first attempt. On the third height, 2.10-meters, Smith missed his first two attempts at it before passing on his final jump. However, Smith looking to become a three-time NCAA High Jump Champion, failed to clear his jumps at 2.13-meters, ending his chances at the crown. Smith finished fifth overall and earned All-American honors, his third of his career.

"Mikel (Smith) gave his all for Saint Martin's every single competition and today was no different," said assistant coach Kyle Stevenson. "Although he fell short, he again showed the competition that rankings don't matter and he stepped up his game to bring home another top five finish and All-American award. He has been the best male student athlete to grace the campus of Saint Martin's and I am proud to be his coach and excited for the future."
 
Earlier in the day, Jona Spiller and Deanna Avalos competed in the javelin throw. Spiller hit her top mark on her first throw, 43.68-meters, placing her 11th overall in the event. Spiller wrapped up her day with marks of 43.31 and 41.35 meters.
 
Avalos started her flight off with throws of 39.24 and 39.89, before shattering her personal record and school record with a mark of 47.98-meters. Her throw advanced her to the finals where she finished with throws of 42.29, 41.99, 47.35 meters. Avalos held on to fourth place and earned her first All-American honors.
 
"My first two throws were not ideal," said Avalos. "During my pr throw, I felt very strong. Nothing hurt and just felt like everything connected."
 
Avalos and Smith joined Kirby Neale in the Hammer Throw as three Saints qualified for All-American honors.
 
"I am very proud of all our athletes," said Head Coach Jim Brewer. "Our coaches, Dwight Midles, Cassidy Stevick and Kyle Stevenson have done an amazing job. Great end to a great season."