Murray State University Athletics
Tonia Pratt Wraps Up NCAA Regional Appearance
5/29/2014 5:24:00 PM | Women's Track and Field
Shot Put Results
Murray State junior thrower Tonia Pratt wrapped up her stay at the NCAA Track & Field Regional in Jacksonville, Florida Saturday at Hodges Stadium.
Pratt had throws of 13.69 meters (44 feet-11 inches), 13.67m (44-10) and 13.77m (34-2 ¾) in the shot put and finished 44th in a field of 48 competitors.
It was a good experience for Pratt, a junior from Michigan City, Michigan, because she doesn't want her first NCAA trip to be her last. Pratt also competed this week in the hammer throw.
"We're so proud of Tonia for making it to the NCAA regionals," MSU Head Coach jenny Severns said. "This didn't go her way, but just getting here was a valuable experience for her future."
Pratt performed at a high level in her junior season for the Racers. She broke her own school record in the hammer throw at the OVC Championships and was ranked 28th in the eastern division heading into the NCAA's. She also owns the Murray State school record in the shot put as she set the record this spring at the Vanderbilt Black and Gold Invitational. Pratt also made the medal stand at the OVC Championships, finishing in second place in the event. She went to Jacksonville ranked 44th in the eastern division in the shot put.
Pratt's first appearance at NCAA's marks the third straight year MSU was represented. In 2013, Sharda Bettis competed in the 100m hurdles and Alexis Love competed in the 100m and 200m runs. In 2012, Love made it all the way to the NCAA 100m finals.Â
PRATT 23RD IN HAMMER THROW AT NCAA REGIONAL
Hammer Throw Results | Shot Put Start List
Competing in her first-career NCAA regional meet, Murray State junior thrower Tonia Pratt finished in 23rd place in the hammer throw out of 48 throwers. The MSU record-holder, Pratt recorded a distance of 56.25m (184'6") in the event.
The afternoon came with a prolonged rain delay. Pratt, throwing in flight two, had to wait roughly two hours after flight one finished because of bad weather.
Pratt's third and final throw of the afternoon was her best one.
Although she didn't qualify for the next round, her time in Jacksonville, Florida isn't over. Pratt is also competing in the shot put. That event is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, beginning at 3 pm CDT. Pratt is ranked 44th heading into the competition, with a career-best and school record mark of 15.01m (49'3").Â
