The Big Sky Conference announced the outdoor track and field all-conference selections. Eight women and nine men earned the honors after finishing among the top three in their event. The Bobcats combined for five Big Sky titles at the 2011 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held in Sacramento, Calif., May 11-14.
Heather Haug earned dual honors in the 3,000 steeplechase and the 1,500. She finished third in both events. Amanda Murphy also grabbed double honors for her efforts in the hammer throw and the shot put. The Charlo, Mont. native took the title in the hammer and earned bronze in the shot put.
Stacey Irvine, who tied for second in the pole vault, was also named to the All-Big Sky squad.
Haug, Irvine and Murphy were All-Big Sky selections in 2010, as well.
The women's 4x400 relay team of Lierin Flanagan, Madeline Fuchs, Katie Niemeir, and Olivia Rider took third at the meet to earn all-conference honors. It was the first appearance for all four student-athletes.
Lena Suek rounded out the women's honorees with her third place finish in the discus. This was her first appearance on the list, as well.
The men's team saw two repeat performers with David Phillips' championship title in the hammer throw. Pat Casey joined Phillips in the recurring honors after dual wins in the 800 and 1,500.
In the pole vault, Bobby Biskupiak and Asa Staven finished second and third, respectively, for their first all-conference honors. Staven, who competed in three events at Big Sky including the decathlon, also earned recognition for his silver medal performance in the high jump.
In addition to Phillips' nod, the Bobcat throws corps continued their year-long visibility when Morgan Norgaard, Big Sky champion, and Trevor Gilreath (third place) took all-conference honors.
After getting edged out by only six points, Jeff Mohl's second place finish in the decathlon earned him his first Big Sky affirmation. Freshman Slater Powell, a consistent contender in the 110 hurdles and Nick Atwood in the 10,000 rounded out the award list after they both earned a silver medal in their events.
“I couldn't be more proud of this group,” said head coach Dale Kennedy. “They've been steady competitors all season and they earned this acknowledgement.”
The 2011 season has concluded for all but one Bobcat. Pat Casey will compete at the 2011 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, June 8-11, in Des Moines, Iowa.
