Erynn James and Jayne Grebinski Compete At NCAA Mideast Regional

May 30, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Marquette University juniors Erynn James and Jayne Grebinski competed Saturday afternoon in the high jump and 3,000-meter steeplechase, respectively, at the NCAA Mideast Regional, while Jessica Ehlen competed in the hammer throw and discus Friday afternoon.

James tied for ninth in the high jump in the final standings with a top leap of 1.74 meters (5 feet, 8.5 inches). Even though James recorded the same height as the third place finishers, including those advancing to the NCAA National Championships, she lost the tie breaker due to the number of attempts to reach her marks.

"Erynn gave herself a chance in the high jump," said head coach Bert Rogers. "She had a good attempt at 5-foot-10 and was close to the mark. She competed well and that is just how it goes sometimes."

Grebinski recorded an 11th-place finish in the steeplechase with a time of 10:49.06.

"Jayne ran very well," Rogers said. "It was hot at the meet which led to a little slower times, but Jayne ran a very tactical race and executed her race plan well. Around the last turn she was in seventh and was right there but didn't have the kick to get into that top group."

Ehlen came just five centimeters short of qualifying for the finals in the hammer throw Friday afternoon and also competed in the discus.

"It was a little rough coming up just short in the hammer throw," said associate head track and field coach Mike Koenning. "Five centimeters came between her and qualifying for the finals in hammer throw even though it was her second best throw at MU. In the discus she also wanted to qualify for the finals but she finished off her career on a strong note."

After hitting a personal-best distance two weekends ago at the Gregory Invitational with a throw of 57.31 meters (188 feet) in the hammer throw, Ehlen felt confident coming into the meet that she could best that mark and reach the finals. Falling in line with her seeded distance with a throw of 56.93 meters (186-09) and a 10th-place finish, was still a bitter pill to swallow for the hard-working senior.

"Missing the mark by five centimeters was disappointing," said Ehlen. "I felt I had a couple of good warm-up throws and If I could have started with my final throw instead of fouling I think I would have had the mark. I guess I was a little nervous and I wasn't feeling it in the discus after that."

Ehlen started the hammer throw by fouling on her first throw before recovering to record her best distance on her final toss and finish second in her flight.

In the discus, Ehlen finished 21st with a best distance of 44.04 meters (144-06), recording it on her second throw after fouling on her first toss.