Southwest Montana News

Clark Finishes Fourth at Nationals

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 43rd Annual Indoor Track & Field National Championships opened today at the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex. The Montana Tech women's team is on the scoreboard after the first day as Abby Clark placed fourth in the heptathlon. 

"Abby kicked the national meet off with a bang," said head coach Zach Kughn. "She was incredibly composed and focused throughout the grueling five-event, six and half hour day."

Clark, a sophomore from Fort Benton, Montana, finished the competition with 3550 points. Clark finished in fifth place or better in three of the five events. She had personal records in the 60 meter hurdles, high jump, and 800 meter run. Clark took third in the high jump, and fifth in the long jump and 800 as well as her overall score. 

"This is something she's been working extremely hard for all year to accomplish and I'm so happy and proud that she could earn All-American honors. Her score is over 1000 points more than her best mark a year ago. Her performance has the rest of the group really excited for the rest of the weekend."

The top eight finishers in each event earn All-American. Today's finish is the first time Clark has placed on the NAIA All-America Team. 

"Abby is the embodiment of the principles we talk about in every team meeting," said assistant coach Jake Sundberg. "It's great to see the payoff for someone who goes above and beyond in her preparation. I can't wait to see how she continues to grow in each coming season."

Clark's fourth place finish gives the Orediggers five points in team scoring after the first event of the championships. 

Clark has one more event this weekend. She competes in the high jump Saturday. 

Original source can be found here.