WSU’s Paul Ryan is an All-American, while Stephanie Cho races in finals of 400-meter hurdles today

The Washington State Cougars fared well at yesterday’s NCAA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore. It was a day full of men’s final events, and WSU had three men competing.

Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan finished eighth overall in the men’s 1500 meters, running the race in 3:40.5, about five seconds off the leader. Ryan’s finish made him an All-American. For reference, 1600 meters is a mile, and there was once a time when a sub-four-minute mile was legendary status. Nowadays, athletes all over the world run a sub-four-minute mile and the times just keep getting faster. Whew. Theoretically, Ryan had about 20 seconds to run another 100 meters and break the four-minute barrier. He would have done it—easily.

In fact, John Blanchette of The Spokesman-Review looked at WSU’s sub-four-minute milers earlier this year.

Oregon’s Cole Hocker took home first with a time of 3:35.35. WSU’s Ryan was second among Pac-12 runners. Washington’s Sam Tanner finished 10th.

In the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase, WSU’s Colton Johnson finished 12th, which made him a Second Team All-American. Johnson actually led the race for five laps and finished in 8:46.89. Kigen Chemadi of Middle Tennessee State won with a blistering 8:28.20.

Nobody has come close to the NCAA Championships meet record (8:12.39) or college record (8:05.4) set by none other than WSU’s own Henro Rono back in 1978. That’s fast.

WSU’s Mitch Johnson was in the finals of the men’s high jump but he recorded a no-height on three attempts at 6’10 ³⁄₄ . JuVaughn Harrison of LSU took first after jumping 7’7 ³⁄₄ (!!). Just picture someone jumping over Manute Bol. That’s incredible.

You can find all the results for the events WSU athletes participated in here.

Stephanie Cho races in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the very specific time of 4:27 p.m. west coast best coast time. Make us proud, Stephanie!

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Links

Why Washington State's Kirk Schulz thought George Kliavkoff was the right man to lead the Pac-12 into the future | The Spokesman-Review
George Kliavkoff had already won Kirk Schulz over by the time he arrived at a Zoom podium to discuss his new role as the Pac-12 Commissioner. Then he collected some extra brownie points from the Washington State University President.

College Football Playoff 12-team expansion: SEC, Group of Five among winners; Rose Bowl tops losers - CBSSports.com
Plus, Notre Dame has plenty to celebrate and question about this potential move

Pac-12 football transfers: Utah QB Charlie Brewer headlines newcomers ready to make impact in 2021 season - CBSSports.com
Breaking down five transfers projected to have the biggest impact in the Pac-12 this upcoming season

UB safety Tyrone Hill will transfer to Washington State | College Sports | buffalonews.com
Hill was one of 13 players from UB’s 2020 roster to initially enter the transfer portal after Lance Leipold left April 30 to become the head football coach at Kansas.

Cho Secures Spot in Finals - Washington State University Athletics
Stephanie Cho advances to the finals of the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA Championships.

Cougar Tennis Coach Lisa Hart Resigns - Washington State University Athletics
Lisa Hart served 18 seasons as the Cougar's head coach.

Cougar Men Wrap Up Day Three - Washington State University Athletics
Paul Ryan, Colton Johnsen, and Mitch Jacobson each earn All-American honors during the third day of the NCAA Championships.