Mississippi State
NCAA Championships (O)
Thompson Shines on Big Stage, Wins NCAA Javelin Crown
June 08, 2016 | Track & Field
And rightfully so. In just his second year at Mississippi State, the sophomore from Florence, N.J., made school history by winning the javelin on the opening day of the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, one year after placing third as a freshman.
After advancing to the finals with a throw of 240-11, he delivered the knockout blow at 254-9 to secure his place in Bulldog lore.
And now, Thompson holds the distinction of being a two-time All-American.
"What a feeling," said Thompson, who place third at the SECs and seventh at the NCAA East Prelims. "All the hard work has paid off. This is why you compete, to be an NCAA champion. That can never be taken away."
To earn the title, Thompson held off Ionnis Kyriazis of Texas A&M (253-5) and John Ampomah of Middle Tennessee State (250-9).
"I couldn't be more proud," said MSU coach Steve Dudley, whose team is tied for fourth with 10 points. "What an awesome performance. He's worked so hard to get to this point, and he's only a sophomore."
Also turning in a stellar performance was Brandon McBride in the 800m run and the 4x400m relay team of Justin Waters, Alfred Larry, McBride and Vince Castillo.
McBride, the 2014 winner, easily won his heat at 1:45.48, while finishing second overall to Donavan Brazier of Texas A&M at 1:45.07. He'll aim for his second outdoor crown Friday at 8:47 p.m.
"It was a good race, but now I have to get ready for Friday," McBride said. "This is what it's all about."
The Bulldogs' 4x400 team punched their tickets to the finals after finishing sixth with a time of 3:05.16. They'll be back on the track at 9:51 p.m. on Friday.
Also participating Wednesday was Alfred Larry in the 400m, whose time of 46.16 came up just short of qualifying for the finals.
The women take to the track on Thursday. Action begins with Marta Freitas and Efion Price in the 1500m run at at 6:46 p.m., followed by Cornelia Griesche and Antonia Hehr in the 3000m steeplechase, and Erica Bougard in both the 100m hurdles and long jump.
Day 1 Results
Javelin: 1. Curtis Thompson, 254-9.
800m: Brandon McBride, 145.48, qualified for finals
400m: Alfred Larry, 46.16, did not qualify
4x400m relay: Justin Waters, Alfred Larry, Brandon McBride, Vince Castillo, qualified for finals
Players Mentioned
