University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
USA Indoor Track & Field Championships
Young Is Only Collegiate Athlete To Qualify For Finals Of 60 And 400 Dashes At USATF Championships
02/25/2007 | Women's Track & Field
Feb. 25, 2007
BOSTON, Mass. - Richmond sophomore Jessica Young was the only collegiate athlete to make the finals of the 60-meter and the 400-meter dashes at the 2007 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center.
Young competed Sunday in the finals of both events, which were televised live on ESPN2.
"We're pretty excited for Jessica," Richmond head women's coach Lori Taylor said. "We're really proud of her, that was a great experience for her which is going to really pay off as she competes at NCAA Championships over the next couple of years."
Young finished sixth in the 400 dash in 54.70 seconds and took seventh in the 60 dash in 7.36 seconds.
"She got off to a slow start in the 400, but came on really strong," Richmond head coach Lori Taylor said. "In the 400, she was holding back a little bit, saving it for the 60."
Young, who was a 2006 World Junior Champion in the 4x400-meter relay, advanced to the finals in the 400 dash with the fifth-fastest time from the preliminary round, breaking her own school record yet again by running a 54.13.
In the first round of the 60 dash on Saturday, Young ran 7.33, matching her personal best and school record time. She returned to run the semifinals in 7.35 ranking her eighth going into Sunday afternoon's final.
"I was really nervous and excited before both races," Young said Saturday. "I was looking around too much before for the 60 meter. I need to run my race in both finals."
Young's time of 7.33 in the 60 dash on Saturday could be fast enough to put her in the NCAA National Championships.
Additionally, University of Richmond assistant throws coach Dan Royal placed eighth in the 35-pound weight throw with a personal best throw of 67-06 3/4. He was ranked 11th in the event going into the championships with a best throw of 65-5 ½.
"I'm happy with the throw and to place in the top eight at our national championships," Royal said.
It serves as the final event of USATF's Indoor Visa Championship Series and it's also the world's oldest indoor track championship, with the first meet being held in 1888 in New York.
