WEIGHT THROW RESULTS

Full Results

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Western Michigan track and field's Irene Cooper took third place in the 20-pound weight throw at the 2010 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Arkansas on Friday afternoon.

Cooper threw 69 feet, 2.75 inches for her third place finish, beating her previous school record of 67 feet, 10.25 inches that she set earlier this season. Her finish guarantees her All-American status, becoming the program's ninth All-American and the third under head coach Kelly Lycan. She is also the third field student-athlete in WMU history to earn All-American status joining Jamie Strieter in the javelin and Kay Barstow in the high jump.

“I went in thinking I needed to have a solid first throw,” commented Cooper. “I threw over 66 feet and it felt really good. From there I knew I could go after it and I did.”

The senior's first throw landed at 66 feet, 3.75 feet, while her second throw placed her in third. From there she attempted to improve her distance but also had to wait for the other competitors.

“Sometimes you just have to sit there and wait to see if someone passes you,” said Lycan “But no one ever did.”

For Cooper, it was her seconds straight year competing at the NCAA Indoor Championships. Last season she finished in 10th place, just outside the top eight she needed for All-American.

“I think being at the NCAA's last year was huge,” said Lycan. “The experience really paid off for her. Coach Bill Griffey did a great job getting her ready to throw, sharpening her up and helping her deal with the pressure.”

Louisville's D'Ana McCarty took first place with a distance of 74 feet, 8.25 inches, while Victoria Flowers edged out Cooper with a distance of 70 feet, 4.25 inches.

“I love watching people do what they are capable of doing,” added Lycan. “Irene stepped up and handled that pressure and handling that is going to be a life-long lesson that sticks with her.”