Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
NCAA East Regional
Bison Wrap Up Competition at the NCAA East Regional Championship Meet
5/30/2009 8:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
May 30, 2009
GREENSBORO, N.C.-- With the conclusion of Bucknell's track and field season, the Bison produced more strong performances at the NCAA East Regional Track and Field Championships on the Irwin Belk Track at North Carolina's A&T University in Greensboro, N.C. Bucknell had 11 athletes competing in this meet, which is the most in the eight years which Bison head coach Kevin Donner has commanded the Bison.
Junior Andrew Huebner fought a stacked field in the second heat of the 3,000-meter steeplechase to finish ninth in his heat and 10th in a field of 31 competitiors, crossing the line in 9 minutes, 8.45 seconds. With his top-12 finish, Huebner earned himself a place in the at-large pool to be considered for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
"It's really nice to be in the top-12 and to be considered to compete at the NCAA Championships," Huebner said. "I'm really looking forward to shooting for a top-five finish next year."
Huebner improved on his 9:28.23 performance from the IC4A Championships two weeks ago, where he finished 27th in a race that was won by Syracuse's Kyle Heath, who finshed almost 50 seconds ahead of Huebner. On Saturday night, Huebner reeled in Heath and the rest of the field finishing less than 16 seconds from an automatic bid to the NCAA meet.
"I was more happy with my finish than my time," Huebner said. "It was nice to improve on my race from IC4As."
In field events, junior Kyle Anthony produced another solid performance in the triple jump. Anthony cleared the 15-meter barrier again (15.16) with his 49-9 mark to place seventh in his flight and 15th overall. With his performance, Anthony has cleared the 49-foot mark for the fourth straight meet.
For the women, freshman Sarah Bella produced the farthest throw in Bucknell history on her first attempt. Bella's 46-4 mark in the shot put, earned her fourth place in her flight and 19th overall. It bettered her own school record and also made her the only Bison ever over the 46-foot barrier. Bella was the top freshman in her flight.
"I came into the meet feeling strong, confident and ready for a personal-best," Bella said. "It was the best series of throws I've had all year and I think I can throw even farther."
The Bison wrap up a tremendous outdoor season in which the women won their eighth Patriot League championship in 10 years and the men had a strong runner-up performance behind a solid Army team. Bucknell returns 10 of the 11 athletes from this year's NCAA Regional Meet.
Bison Finishers
Women's Shot Put
19. Sarah Bella - 46-4
Women's Triple Jump
Amy Mantush - Foul
Women's High Jump
Amy Mantush - NH
Men's Pole Vault
Drew Fitzgerald - NH
Men's Triple Jump
15. Kyle Anthony - 49-9
Men's Steeplechase
10. Andrew Huebner - 9:08.45
