GULF SHORES, Ala. – Sheila McKinley earned the title of National Champion in the pole vault as the first day of the 2018 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championship came to a close, on Thursday.
Sheila cleared the bar at 4.00 meters (13 feet, 2 inches) to claim first place and a personal record. Twin sister Tasha McKinley earned sixth place as she cleared 3.65m (11-11 ¾). Tasha won the pole vault at the 2018 NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championship.
The 4x100 meter relay team took fifth place in the trials to clinch a spot in the finals on Saturday. The relay team of Madisyn Kleinschmit, Mildrenae Young-Brooks, Alexis Moore and Asia Gardner finished in 46.51 seconds to sit in fifth place.
Finishing outside the top eight was Tina Miller and Jaymz Gibson in the javelin, Tyriah Pryor in the 400m hurdles, Gardner in the 200m dash along with Young-Brooks and Julia Forbes in the long jump.
Siena Heights will continue the action on Friday, starting at 2 p.m. EST in the shot put.