Johnson 9th, Stephen 8th at USA Track
6/24/2011 8:10:00 AM | Track & Field, Athletics
Matt Johnson and Karique Stephen Sam Houston State's two competitors at the USA National Track and Field Championships June 23-25, both posted top 10 finishes in their respective events.
Johnson finished in 9th place in the men's senior decathlon Thursday and Friday. Stephen placed eighth in the junior division triple jump.
The annual track and field event was held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, which also was the site of the NCAA Division I West Preliminary Round competition earlier this year.
Johnson, a junior from Groves, Texas, totaled 7,447 points in a competition against the top decathletes from across the nation.
Johnson's event marks and places on the second day of competition were 110 meter hurdles 7th (14.74); discus 5th (147' 3"), pole vault 10th (14' 7.25"), javelin 5th (183' 5") and 1500 meters 12th (5:01.53).
His event marks and places on the first day of competition Thursday were 100 meters 8th (10.93); long jump 7th (23' 7"); shot put 11th (42' 4"); high jump 13th (6' 0.5"); and 400 meters 9th (50.14).
The performance marked another outstanding finish on a national stage for Johnson who earned second team All-America honors with his 14th place in the men's decathlon at the NCAA Division I national championships June 10.
Stephen, a sophomore from Baytown, entered the competition Saturday ranked fourth among USA juniors in the triple jump. After fouling on both his first two attempts, Stephen produced a 48' 8" mark on his third attempt to qualify for the finals.
The top two finishers in each event qualifed for the World Track and Field Championships later this year. The top two marks in the junior triple jump were 51' 9" and 51' 2".
Johnson and Stephen were not be the only Bearkats competing in Oregon this weekend.
Sam Houston State graduates Michael Courtney, competing with Next Level Athletix track club, finished 24th in the 400 meters with a time of 47.10. Jonny Tipton competed in the men's senior discus on Friday.
