University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
USA Track & Field Championships
Murphy, Alums Compete at USATF Championships
6/22/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Nicolle Murphy placed 11th in the javelin and four Golden Gopher alumnae also competed on day one of the 2017 USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships Thursday in Sacramento, Calif.
In her first competition in nearly a year, Murphy recorded a throw of 47.66m (156-04) to place 11th in the javelin. The Arkansas City, Kan., native returned to competition after red-shirting the 2016-17 season for the Gophers; she last threw at the U.S. Olympic Trials in July 2016.
In her first meet in nearly a year, @cheerNicolle comes in 11th in javelin with a throw of 47.66m (156-04) at #USATFoutdoors. 〽️👊 pic.twitter.com/c8jnMZzAS8
- Minnesota W TrackCC (@GopherWCCTF) June 23, 2017
The discus saw Minnesota alum Liz Podominick record a throw of 55.20m (181-01) to place seventh overall. She advanced to the final in seventh place with a throw of 54.44m (178-07) on her third attempt before improving her mark to 55.20m on her sixth and final throw.
Three Gopher alumnae took to the track in first round heats of their respective events late Thursday evening as well. Jamie Cheever (Oiselle/Team USA Minnesota) advanced to Saturday's final in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a 12th-place showing in 9:49.82. She took seventh in heat two to move on based on time.
Congrats to @JamieCheever on advancing to the US final in the steeple!! Smart racing and a good season PR! #gophertough 〽️
- Sarah Hopkins (@MNXCCoachHop) June 23, 2017
In the first round of the 1,500-meter run, Gopher alums Gabriele Grunewald (Brooks) and Heather Kampf (ASICS/Team USA Minnesota) toed the line. Grunewald inspired the world by running 4:31.18 while undergoing chemotherapy while Kampf clocked a time of 4:15.40 to take 18th overall after suffering an injury in April.
Really cool moment after heat one concludes, as all of the ladies circle around Gabe Grunewald who continues to inspire all. #USATFOutdoors pic.twitter.com/nerBdxb8qm
- FloTrack (@FloTrack) June 23, 2017
Despite being in the midst of chemotherapy @gg_runs inspires the world by competing at @usatf championships. #usatfoutdoors pic.twitter.com/8LyymhN88V
- Michael Scott (@urimiscott) June 23, 2017
Gabe Grunewald ends inspirational season in first round at U.S. Champs: https://t.co/gERxMyhKJM pic.twitter.com/nEhbErvnd3
- FloTrack (@FloTrack) June 23, 2017
A super gutsy showing! After only a month of running post injury, @HeatherRaeKampf finishes 5th in heat 2 of the 1500 meters #teamusamn
- Team USA Minnesota (@TeamUSAMN) June 23, 2017
Gopher high jumpers Taylor Wiebke and Ashley Ramacher are also set to compete this week as Wiebke competes in the senior championship Friday evening with Ramacher to follow in the junior championship on Saturday evening.
Action at the USATF Senior and Junior Championships continues through Sunday at Sacramento State's Hornet Stadium as the best track & field athletes in the country compete to qualify for the IAAF World Championships to be held in London Aug. 4-13.
###
Players Mentioned
