A Vandal woman secured a spot at the national championship meet in the steeplechase after winning her heat at the NCAA West First Round in Fayetteville, Ark., on May 30. This marks the second consecutive year that an Idaho athlete will compete in this event at Hayward Field.
“What a race for Conny today at the NCAA West Regionals!” Director of Track and Field said Saturday. “Anytime you can win, especially at this level, that is a tremendous accomplishment! Conny has had a goal all season of making the NCAA finals in Eugene, so it’s very rewarding to see her accomplish this goal. Her race today was very tactical, so she has learned how to win in different race scenarios. The coaching staff is super proud of her, and it’s awesome to have two athletes going on to the NCAA final, as Blake [Sturgis] will join her in Eugene. Again, just a great effort today by Conny and on to Eugene!”
After qualifying for regionals last year, Paoli returned as a Big Sky champion and broke both her personal best and a 23-year-old University of Idaho record earlier this season. In Fayetteville, she nearly broke 10 minutes with a time of 10:02.74—winning her heat by almost five seconds—and placed third among all athletes at the West Regional.
Paoli’s performance makes her the second Vandal woman in two years to advance to Eugene for the steeplechase event. She enters nationals holding the tenth-fastest time nationally this season.
Blake Sturgis also qualified for Hayward Field after his javelin throw of 72.12 meters during Wednesday’s competition placed him inside the top twelve qualifiers despite challenging weather conditions.
Idaho will be represented by two athletes at Hayward Field: Sturgis will compete in men’s javelin on June 10, while Paoli is set for the women’s 3000m steeplechase final on June 14.
