EUGENE, Ore. -- Redshirt sophomore Maggie Ewen was the only Arizona State competitor on day two of the NCAA Championships as the women began their events on Thursday, June 9 at Historic Hayward Field.
Ewen, who qualified in three events, started off the day in the hammer throw and finished fifth of the 24 competitors for her first First-Team All-American honor of her young collegiate career.
"We had some high expectations for Maggie after throwing 70 meters at regionals, and we knew she could be an All-American but it was just about where she was going to place," said throwing coach David Dumble. "She was a little bit off yesterday but still for her to get her first First-Team All-American honor was fantastic. To be able tohandle the excitement and the nerves of NCAA's for the first time in hammer was great. I think she knows she has more in her for next year and knows how to handle it a little bit better for next year. I was proud of her. It gives her a little bit more confidence for Saturday."
The Pac-12 hammer throw champion and new conference record holder -- which she set at the NCAA Regional meet -- had a best throw of 63.61m (208-08).
Later that evening, Ewen took her talents into the shot put and finished in 19th with a best throw of 16.05m (52-08.00).
"Shot put isn't necessarily her best event and she has some good competition to go up against," said Dumble. "She would have had to hit a PR to make finals. It was a long day and she gave it her best, but I think she'll be ready for a great performance on Saturday."
She has one event left as she competes in the discus throw on Saturday afternoon.
"Having that one day off in between is wonderful," said Dumble. "If the schedule was a little bit different, she may not have competed in the shot put.
"I think she could be an All-American in the discus as well. She could rank as high as third if things go well, so we'll see what happens."
NCAA Track & Field Championships Historic Hayward Field Eugene, Ore. June 8-11, 2016Thursday Field Events
Women's Hammer Throw
5. Maggie Ewen - 63.61m (208-08)
Women's Shot Put
19. 16.05m (52-08.00)
Wednesday Track Events
Men's 4x100 Relay Semifinal
8. Arizona State (James, Underwood, Hasson, Lewis) - 39.26 Q
Men's 3,000m Steeplechase
21. CJ Albertson - 8:53.16
Men's 200m Dash
20. Reggie Lewis - 21.06
Wednesday Field Events
Men's Javelin Throw
14. Hudson Keffer - 70.23m (230-05)
Men's Shot Put
18. Ahmed Hassan - 18.64m (61-02.00)