Three members of Kennesaw State’s track and field teams participated at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Austin, Texas, starting on Wednesday, June 5.
Redshirt senior Daniel Haugh highlighted the first day of action in Austin by winning the hammer throw competition with a distance of 74.63 meters. Haugh’s victory was the first national championship in KSU’s Division I history.
A transfer from the University of Alabama, Haugh was established as a formidable force in the SEC before coming to the Owls. He was a First-Team All-American, the SEC discus champion in 2016 and Alabama’s all-time record holder in weight and hammer throws.
“The only thought that comes to mind is thankful,” Haugh said. “Thankful for my parents, my coaching staff, my friends and family who believe in me and push me day in and day out.”
In addition to the national title, Haugh became the first athlete in KSU men’s track and field history to win First-Team All-America honors for outdoor competition.
Jordan Gray finished her KSU career with a strong finish in the heptathlon, finishing seventh in a field of 24 athletes. Gray set a school record with 5,846 points in the event and earned First-Team All-America honors for the second time in the heptathlon.
Gray leaves KSU as one of the most decorated athletes in school history, having won All-Conference honors in multiple disciplines in every year of her collegiate career.
“I am so proud of Jordan,” Assistant Track and Field Coach Agne Eggerth said. “For her to finish her career at KSU with a new school record for points … is a history-making success.”
After her record-breaking performance, Gray will be looking to join the USA Track and Field Team later this year, training with former KSU Track and Field Director Andy Eggerth.
The third Owl to participate in Austin was junior Paris Williams, who won All-Conference honors in the decathlon two seasons ago. Williams completed the opening five events of the decathlon in Austin before being unable to finish due to an injury.
Williams will help lead the Owls next season as Track and Field Director Cale McDaniel heads into his second season at KSU.
