Spartans Conclude Day Four Of NCAA Championships

June 9, 2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sophomore Jonathon Allen finished in 11th place in Saturday's second flight of the triple jump at the NCAA Championships.

"Jon did a great job today," director of track and field Walt Drenth said. "He tied for 12th yesterday to make it to today's finals and he just missed making the third flight. Considering he didn't triple jump until two years ago, he has made great progression. He made the NCAA Regionals and then made the finals at the NCAA Championships, which is an incredible accomplishment. Next year, Jon could be one of the top five jumpers in the country and then contend for a national championship during his senior year. He has a competitive attitude and great athletic attributes. It will be something to see how he does in the next two years."

Allen posted a 15.51 meter jump (50-10 3/4), for his third-longest jump of the season. Saturday's jump was not enough to make it to the third flight, which consisted of the top nine distances, but earned him an 11th-place finish. During Friday's first flight, the sophomore posted a 15.49-meter (50-10) leap to tie for 12th place among 25 jumpers to reach Saturday's final flight.

Junior Ray Taylor of Cornell took home the national championship with a 16.37 meter (53-08 1/2) jump.

The Spartans return to action, June 21-24 for the USA Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis, Ind.