Billie-Jo Grant Qualifies Provisionally for NCAAs in Shot Put

Story Links

Jan. 13, 2007

Virginia All-American Billie Jo Grant opened up the 2007 indoor season with a bang, hitting an NCAA provisional mark in the shot put with her 52′ 7.5″and setting a school record in the process. Her toss was over a foot farther than the previous record, set by Eliese Mitchell Zawacki in 2003. It was also over a foot farther than her top throw from outdoors in 2006. Grant was the top collegiate finisher in the event and took second place overall.

“We are excited that Billie-Jo has picked up right where she left off from outdoor season,” said Carrie Lane, Virginia’s throws coach. “She is one of the top discus throwers in the nation, and she is looking to make her mark in the shot as well.”

Sara Casscells took third in the mile with her 5:05.97, while both 4x800m teams took fifth as the women ran 9:16.88 while the men ran a 7:52.22. Stephanie Garcia also finished fifth as she covered the 3K in 10:18.83.

The Cavaliers return to action on Saturday, Jan. 20 as they compete in the Maryland Invitational in Landover, Md.

Results: women: 200m: Erin Crawford, 25.49; Tiffany Roberts, 26.49; Lauren Echko, 27.04; 400m: Keshia Ashe, 59.78; Mile: Casscells, 5:05.97, 3rd; 3000m: Stephanie Garcia, 10:13.83, 5th; 4x400m: 3:50.15, 7th; 4x800m: 9:16.88, 5th; SP: Grant, 16.04m, 2nd, NCAA Provisional, School Record; Alexa Manning, 13.01m; Bianca Debartolo, 12.26m; LJ: Tomika Ferguson, 5.71m, 8th; Katie Tershel, 5.69m, 9th; DeBartolo, 5.53m

Men: 200m: Reuben Jones, 22.69; Brian Lee, 22.83; Baba Jenneh, 25.12; Mile: Jordan Orr, 4:20.60, 8th; Steve Finley, 4:22.65; 3000m: Sam Fletcher, 8:43.19; Michael Hagos, 9:22.24; 4x400m: 3:23.50; 4x800m: 7:52.22, 5th; SP: Yemi Ayeni, 15.63m, 7th; Eric Pickle, 14.57m; PV: Jeff McClurg, 4.50m; David Lewis, 4.50m