EUGENE, OREGON, June 12-13 — In a USATF U20 (Junior) Championships as notable, like many past editions, for the athletes not present as the ones competing, Auburn frosh Ja’Kobe Tharp showed that he very much has an interest in some World U20 hardware. The hurdler, fresh off his runner-up finish at the NCAAs, went back to the high school height (39-inch) hurdles to score a win in 13.12, a mark that makes him No. 2 in U.S. history and leaves him just outside of the world top 10.
Other notable winners included recent high school 300H record-setter Vance Nilsson, who took to the 400 hurdles with a PR 50.23. In the hammer, Eastern Michigan frosh Ryan Johnson whirled the U20 implement 233-2 (71.06).
Florida’s Gracelyn Leiseth scored a throws double, taking the shot at 54-7½ (16.65) and the discus at 179-6 (54.72). The other double winner was Jaden Wiley in the men’s sprints, taking both in 10.21 and 20.82. Skylynn Townsend tripled 44-2½ (13.47) to move to No. 5 all-time among preps.
USATF JUNIOR MEN’S RESULTS
(contestants born 2005 or later; top 2, if qualified, make World U20 team)
100(1.9): 1. Jaden Wiley (ATLZoom) 10.21; 2. Maurice Gleaton (Quicks) 10.27.
200(-0.3): 1. Wiley 20.82; 2. Jesse Myers (NittTF) 21.18.
400: 1. Sidi Njie (unat) 45.62; 2. Jayden Davis (AzSt) 45.92; 3. Alexander Rhodes (PSound) 45.93; 4. Ervin Pearson (unat) 45.97.
800: 1. Michael Long (unat) 1:47.54; 2. Daniel Watcke (Vill) 1:47.59.
1500: 1. Trent McFarland (Mi) 3:47.39; 2. Carter Cutting (BYU) 3:47.43.
St: 1. Wyatt Haughton (BYU) 8:48.17; 2. Lucas Knepp (Ia) 8:54.42.
5000: 1. Liam Newhart (Wi) 14:08.74; 2. Nathan Lopez (Mi) 14:09.51.
Jr110H(1.6): 1. Ja’kobe Tharp (Aub) 13.12 (11, x WJ; 2, 2 AJ);
2. Andre Korbmacher (FlSt) 13.31; 3. Le’Ezra Brown (unat) 13.49.
400H: 1. Vance Nilsson (AzF) 50.23; 2. Premier Wynn (unat) 50.58; 3. Xavier Branker (NCSt) 50.89.
10W: 1. Steven Valadez (unat) 49:15.85; 2. Rowan McDonald (MeRW) 49:56.97.
Field Events
HJ: 1. Scottie Vines (unat) 7-3¼ (2.22); 2. Tito Alofe (Harv) 7-3¼.
PV: 1. Victor Olesen (XtrH) 17-8½ (5.40); 2. Bryce Barkdull (Shocker) 17-8½.
LJ: 1. Cordial Vann (MajITx) 25-6¾w (7.79); 2. Juriad Hughes (TMnEl) 25-4½ (7.73).
TJ: 1. Karson Gordon (JumpL) 52-1¼ (15.88); 2. Sterling Scott (Mo) 51-9 (15.77);
JrSP: 1. Ben Smith (unat) 67-6 (20.57); 2. Tyler Michelini (Az) 66-2½ (20.18).
JrDT: 1. Roury McCloyen (MsSt)…
CLICK HERE to Read the Full Original Article at Track & Field News…