By Bryan Bloodworth
NORMAL – Anderson Devonish and jianna Williams both had goals of qualifying for the NCAA Track and Field Championships this week in Eugene, Ore.
And that’s where the pair is headed after qualifying for the meet two weeks ago at the West Regional.
It will be a return trip to the nationals for Williams, who placed 19th in the hammer throw at last year’s event, while Devonish will be competing in his first NCAA Championships.
Williams, a senior who also will be competing in the shot put, said competing in last year’s meet should help.
“Having that experience under my belt, I shouldn’t be too nervous like I was last year,” added Williams, who qualified for the nationals in the hammer throw with a personal best 209 feet, 5 inches effort at regional. “My goal is to be in the top eight and get All-American. If I don’t do that, I hope to be close to my personal best or get a personal best.”
Williams, who competes Thursday, had her top effort in the shot put at regional with a 51-11 mark.
Devonish, a sophomore from Barbados who competes Wednesday, ran a personal best 46.26 at regional.
“I was nervous going into the first round (West Regional), but after experiencing the atmosphere I know what to expect in the second round,” said Devonish. “I should be a lot more calmer, but I’m even more excited for the finals.
“It was a goal of mine (to make the NCAA meet), but more of an abstract goal. I knew it was a possibility, but the fact that it is here I’m very happy about it and I’m glad I achieved my goal.”
Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]
