- Live Stats

PUEBLO, Colo. – Tarleton junior Nikki McNorton is a national medalist.
 
The junior from Channelview was named All-American en route to a third place finish in the high jump at the 2012 Outdoor Track and Field National Championships at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Saturday afternoon.
 
“It feels really good,” said McNorton following her event. “When they changed the times on me I was so nervous (referring to a change in the schedule of events), but I started clearing the heights with no problems and now I just feel really good. It's unbelievable.”
 
McNorton cleared 5-feet, 9.25-inches for her third place finish, while the top two finishers cleared 5-11.5. This marked the third time this season McNorton has cleared 5-9.
 
“We're obviously very proud of Nikki,” said Tarleton head coach Pat Ponder. “We knew Nikki would have to have a personal best jump to compete for the top spot, but she came out and gave it her best effort and I'm proud of her. Anytime you have an athlete medal and be named an All-American is a great honor.”
 
By finishing the top eight of her event, McNorton earned All-American honors, making her the 16^th All-American that Ponder has coached in his 24-year career.

"As proud as I am of Nikki, I am just as proud of Justin Hobbs," said Ponder. "Justin has worked with Nikki all season long and he has done an outstanding job with her and all of our athletes and I'm excited to have him with me at Tarleton. The fact that he has coached an All-American in his first year as a coach speaks volumes of his talent as a coach and his work ethic."
 
Tarleton still has an athlete remaining in the national championships as Jeff Smith will run in the finals of the 400m hurdles Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MST.