Andrew Evans Claims NCAA Discus Bronze Medal
By Jacob Most
June 7, 2013 –
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EUGENE, Ore. – Andrew Evans picked up the Kentucky track and field team’s first six points of the NCAA Outdoor Championships, claiming the Bronze Medal in the discus throw on Friday at Hayward Field.
Evans’ top throw, which traveled 62.78 meters / 206 feet, went nearly 10 feet further than any competitive throw of the UK junior’s career prior to Friday.
“I got into the final in ninth place so I was sweating it pretty bad, but I knew I had a big throw in me,” Evans said. “I ended up switching disks, which made a huge difference. I found one that I really liked. It feels really good because it is the culmination of a lot of things.”
Evans didn’t connect on a big throw during the preliminary flight as his best mark of the opening three attempts was his third, traveling 58.89m / 193’2″. That mark got him an additional three throws as the ninth and final qualifier into the final by one inch.
“I was feeling some nerves that I hadn’t felt all year so that was a little bit different for me, but I knew that I could hit at least 58 meters high at the very least.,” Evans said. “That is what it took to get into the final, so I feel pretty fortunate.”
He failed to improve on the fourth throw, but then launched a bomb 62.32m/204’05 on the fifth attempt to move from ninth position into third. Evans’ third attempt was a then–personal best by 7.21 feet.
Evans found the zone as the competition reached its most pressure-filled moments, improving on the final attempt, but remaining third overall to finish the competition.
“I am extremely proud of the way Andrew Evans battled back, using his final three throws to move from ninth to third place,” head coach Edrick Floreal said. “His personal best effort got us six big points.”
Evans’ PR mark moved him up a spot into fourth place on the UK all-time performers’ list, two inches short of 2008 SEC Discus Champion Chase Madison.
Chelsea Oswald was 24th in the 5,000 meters final with a time of 16:48.90.
“We have to turn the page on our misfortunes, and focus our attention on Ray Dykstra in the javelin and Keith Hayes in the 110-meter hurdles,” Floreal said.
Pac-12 Network will stream the Saturday action online from 3:30 – 5 p.m. ET, and that coverage should include Raymond Dykstra in flight one of the men’s javelin.
ESPNU will pick up the broadcast at 5 p.m. That coverage window will include Keith Hayes in the 110-meter hurdles at 6:16 p.m. ET.
Southern California and Texas are tied for the men’s team standings lead with 32 points each through 13 events scored. Kentucky is tied for 28th with six points.
Kansas leads the women’s team standings with 48 points. UK will not score on the women’s side at the 2013 NCAA Championships.
The top eight finishers in each event earn points toward the overall team score. The points are assigned as follows: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.
Kentucky NCAA Outdoor Championships Results & Schedule
Wednesday, June 5
Men Shot Put
10. Brad Szypka: 18.57/60’11.25″
Women 100 meters (Semifinal)
15. Keilah Tyson: 11.40w (+2.8)
3,000-meter steeplechase (Semifinal)
16. Luis Orta: 8:59.33
Women 10,000 meters (Final)
18. Chelsea Oswald: 35:06.02
Thursday, June 6
Women Discus Prelim
-. Beckie Famurewa: F,F,F
Men 1,500 meters (semifinal)
14. Matt Hillenbrand: 3:44.48
100-meter hurdles (semifinal)
13. Kayla Parker: 13.16w (+2.8)
110-meter hurdles (semifinal):
5. Keith Hayes: 13.32w (+3.0)
Friday, June 7
Men Discus (Prelim)
3. Andrew Evans: 62.78m / 206’
Women 5,000 meters
24. Chelsea Oswald: 16:48.90
Saturday, June 8
3:30 p.m. — Men Javelin (Prelim & Final): Raymond Dykstra – Flight One –
6:16 p.m. — 110-meter hurdles (Final): Keith Hayes
NCAA Championships Broadcast Schedule (All times Eastern)
Saturday, June 8
3:30.-5 p.m. Pac-12 Live Stream
5.-7 p.m. ESPNU
