6/14/08

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Rachel Yurkovich unleashed a spectacular series of throws in windy conditions, highlighted by a mark of 187-5, to win the 2008 women’s crown Saturday at the NCAA Track & Field Championships. Yurkovich’s victory highlighted a day of four top-four finishes for Oregon on the final day of competition at Drake Stadium.

All six of Yurkovich’s throws sailed past 172 feet, as she battled two competitors to become Oregon’s fifth collegiate javelin national champion (fourth NCAA). The junior became Oregon’s first NCAA Champion in the event since Ashley Selman in 1993.

"I was wanting to get a little better with each throw," said Yurkovich, who won her third career All-America award. "I just want to say, ‘finally!’ There are a lot of people who have been waiting just as long as I have to be No. 1 in the nation. It feels great, but I’m happy it’s over."