Cassie Merkley was pulled from the second day of the heptathlon to avoid further injury.

June 14, 2008

Complete Heptathlon Results

Des Moines, IA--A disappointed Cassie Merkley was forced to relent on her quest for All-American status as her injury proved too much for her in the final day of competition in the heptathlon at the NCAA Championship Final at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa.

Head men's and women's track and field coach Dave Nielsen made the smart decision to pull her from competition. "After four steps in the warm up of the long jump her leg just hurt too bad," said Nielsen. "She just couldn't move." Nielsen weighed the options and decided to avoid further injury which could result in future problems. "She's got a bright career ahead of her," stated Nielsen. As a junior Merkley will still have another year to train for and compete at nationals.

Merkley was pleased that she made it through the 100-meter hurdles, one of the events she excels in, and was happy with her results in the high jump which were better than even she expected.

"I am a little disappointed," said junior heptathlete Merkley about not finishing the heptathlon. "But it feels good to have come and have the experience."

NOTE: Jacquelin Johnson of Arizona State earned her unprecedented fourth Heptathlon gold medal and was awarded All-American Honors.

In the men's pole vault, Texas freshman Maston Wallace vaulted a height of 17-06.50 to take home the gold. Swirling winds affected the vaulters, resulting in the lowest winning height since 1979.