Oklahoma State University Athletics
Miller Dominates Hammer Throw, Advances To Oregon
May 25, 2013 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
May 25, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas -
Oklahoma State's Nick Miller broke his own school record and regained the NCAA's No. 1 spot in the hammer throw, and Natalja Piliusina won the women's 1,500 meter prelims to lead the OSU men's and women's track and field teams on day three of the NCAA Track & Field West Preliminary Round, in Austin, Texas, on Saturday.
Miller, a native of Carlisle, United Kingdom, landed a 66-meter throw to ensure qualification, then just let loose. He launched the hammer 71.60m/234-11 through the rain, which was just one of his three throws that eclipsed 70 meters—all three throws would have won the meet by four meters.
“It was an awesome day,” Miller said. “The rain didn't bother me too much, because those are the conditions I usually threw in back home. In one day I was able to get a personal best, break a school record, get the No. 1 ranking in the NCAA and get my European qualification mark. It was great. I'm really excited for the opportunity to go to nationals.”
Entering the weekend, only Miller and Tomas Kruzliak of Virginia Tech reached the 70 meter plateau all season. Miller's throw gave him the No. 1 ranking in the NCAA, and broke his own school record by 1.03 meters.
“Today Nick weathered the storm,” throws coach John Baumann said. “I'll use a golf analogy. On days like today, we needed to shoot par on the front nine to qualify, and then just go for it on the back nine. That's what he did. Can't do much better than a school record and tops in the NCAA. Now on to bigger things in two weeks.”
On the track, Natalja Piliusina backed up her national No. 1 ranking in the 1,500 meters by running a 4:13.73, which made her the top qualifier in the West Region, and gave her an automatic berth into the NCAA Championships.
“I just did exactly what coach told me to do,” Piliusina said. “These races are more tactical, so I just tried to stay out of trouble and run a smart race. I'm happy about the time, too. I think it's great that I was able to run 4.13 in this hot weather.”
In the men's 5,000 meters, Kirubel Erassa, took second in his heat with a 14:11.95, meaning he automatically qualified for the NCAA final. Girma Mecheso, just two days after qualifying in the 10,000 meters, took fourth in his heat of the 5,000 meters to qualify as well.. Tom Farrell led for a good portion of his heat, but fell just short of qualifying, finishing in 14:18.18.
“I think Natalja in the 1,500 meters and Nick in the hammer both looked like national title contenders today,” OSU Coach Dave Smith said. “They both have a great shot. Kirubel ran a brilliant race. From a tactical standpoint, he was always in the right spot. Girma did great coming off a 10k just two days ago, which is really tough to do. It was heartbreaking for Tom. He trains so hard. He's done everything right and looked great all year. He's the leader in everything we do. Something didn't go right tonight. It's awful when that happens.”
In the women's 5,000 meters, Monika Juodeskaite was unable to advance, finishing in 31st, with a time of 16:55.84
In the women's shot put, Chase Ealey finished third in her flight with a mark of 15.63m/51-3.5, but fell just short of advancing, finishing 25th.
The OSU track and field teams will be back in action June 5-8, when they send five athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, in Eugene, Ore.
NCAA West Preliminary Round
May 23-25/ Mike A. Myers Stadium/ Austin, Texas
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Men's Individual Results
5,000 Meters
4. Kirubel Erassa – 14:11.95(Q)
7. Girma Mecheso – 13:49.39(Q)+
20. Tom Farrell – 14:18.18
Hammer Throw
1. Nick Miller – 71.60m/234-11(Q)*!
Women's Individual Results
1,500 Meters
1. Natalja Piliusina – 4:13.73(Q)
5,000 Meters
31. Monika Juodeskaite – 16:55.84
Shot Put
25. Chase Ealey – 15.63m/51-3.50
Q – Denotes automatic qualification
! – Denotes school record
* - Denotes personal best
+ - Denotes stadium record
