Press Release: Women Athletes Shine at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship West First Round concluded on Saturday, showcasing remarkable talent from women’s athletes as they aimed for a coveted place in the national championship in Eugene, Oregon, set for June 11-14.
Notably, Colorado State junior Klaire Kovatch from Seeley-Swan clinched the last qualifying position in the discus event, achieving a 12th-place finish with a throw of 54.32 meters (178 feet, 2 inches). This accomplishment marks her second trip to the national meet, with Fresno State’s Cierra Jackson securing first place at 61.27 meters (201-0).
In a thrilling finale, the Montana State relay team—comprising Olivia Lewis (Corvallis), Peyton Garrison, Giulia Gandolfi, and Caroline Hawkes—ran a commendable 4×400 relay, finishing fourth in their heat with a time of 3:34.31. Their performance was fast enough to qualify for the NCAA championships, making them the first relay team from Montana State to advance. Arkansas dominated with the best time of the day at 3:25.48.
Northern Arizona senior Elise Stearns clocked in at 16:19.13, finishing ninth in her 5,000-meter heat but ultimately placing 19th overall. Teammate Kyla Christopher-Moody (Montana State) came in 19th in her heat with a time of 16:41.73.
Three former high school runners from Montana competed in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Northern Arizona’s Hayley Burns secured sixth in her heat, while Boise State’s Abby Kendrick and Montana State’s Grace Gilbreth finished in ninth and twelfth, respectively.
In the high jump, Montana’s Erin Wilde tied for 32nd overall with a jump of 1.71 meters (5-7.25). Nebraska’s Jenna Rogers topped this event at 1.84 meters (6-0.5).
As the championships approach, these athletes exemplify the dedication and competitiveness of women in collegiate athletics.
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