University of South Florida
NCAA Outdoor Championship
Anderson, O'Neal Earn All-America Status
June 15, 2014 | Track & Field
Meet Central | Complete Results
EUGENE, Ore., June 14, 2014 – Courtney Anderson and Matthew O'Neal repeated as All-Americans Saturday at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
O'Neal (Jackson, Miss) placed fourth in the men's triple jump with a personal best and new school record distance of 53-feet-2.5 (16.22m). Anderson (Cape Coral, Fla.) placed eighth in the women's high jump with a season best of 6-0 (1.83m).
USF has had at least one outdoor All-American in six of the seven years (2009).
O'Neal, who placed ninth as a freshman last season, became the third different USF men's performer since 2012 to become a two-time All-American. He joined David Aristil (400m hurdles) and Jared Thomas (discus) who earned the honor in 2011 and 2012.
“It feels great,” said O'Neal. “It's really a blessing to come out and compete at this level. I had a personal best jump of 53-2.5 and I definitely thank God for that.”
It was O'Neal's fifth jump that vaulted the sophomore into the top five. His final attempt to move up or reach the eventual winner, Marquis Dendy of Florida (55-11.5), was a foul.
“My plan was to go out and do my best,” said O'Neal. “I just wish I could have that last jump back. But I have another year and I look forward to doing better next season.”
Anderson, last season's NCAA runner-up, became the first USF woman to be named earn outdoor All-America status in consecutive seasons.
“I feel great about my performance today,” said Anderson. “I definitely did better than I have all season with a season best of six feet. I've been trying to get that all year. I'm on a roll now and I can't wait for USA's.”
The senior breezed through the first three heights of 5-7.5, 5-9.5 and 5-10.5 with no problem. In her attempt of 6-0, Anderson cleared the height in her third and final jump. Her previous season best was 5-11.5 set at the NCAA East Preliminary. Leontia Kallenou of Georgia won the event at 6-2.5.
Anderson ends her collegiate career as a two-time All-American, 2014 American Athletic Conference outdoor champion, two-time indoor conference runner-up, two-time outdoor conference runner-up and the school record holder in both the indoor and outdoor high jump.
“I couldn't be more proud of Courtney and Matthew,” said eighth year head coach Warren Bye. “It says a lot about them to come here at the highest level and perform the best they have all season.”
Next up on the track and field schedule is the USA Jr.-Sr. Championships held June 25-28 in Sacramento, Calif.
