March 14, 2008
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Purdue senior Astin Steward opened the 2008 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, hosted by the University of Arkansas, in grand fashion, grabbing the bronze medal in the women's 20-pound weight throw. She smashed the school record in the event, hurling the weight 21.62 meters (70-11.25).
Steward picks up NCAA All-America honors for the first time in her career, after garnering USTFCCCA national accolades in the women's discus throw at last year's outdoor championship meet. Her school record is her third at Purdue as she also holds the all-time marks in the discus and hammer throw. The six team points earned by her third-place showing guarantees the Boilermaker women their second consecutive national placing at the indoor championships.
Freshman Josh Hembrough and senior Leah Kincaid failed to escape the preliminary heats of the men's and women's 60-meter hurdles as Hembrough finished fifth in his heat with a time of 7.89, while Kincaid was sixth in hers with a time of 8.31. Hembrough wound up 13th overall in the final standings, while Kincaid placed 12th.
The Boilermakers continue action tomorrow as sophomore Jonathan Pullum and junior Mallory Peck look to follow Steward to the championship podium. Pullum will compete in the men's 35-pound weight throw at 2 p.m. (CST), and Peck hits the women's pole vault runway at 5 p.m. (CST). For live results visit the host championship site.