EUGENE, Ore.—Arizona State track and field’s redshirt seniors Bryan McBride and Michael Ohakwe earned First-Team All-America honors on Friday at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
McBride placed sixth in the high jump finals, clearing 2.19m (7-2.25) and earning his eighth career All-America recognition. ASU’s school record holder in the event earned three points toward the Sun Devils’ team result. On Wednesday, McBride earned Second-Team All-America accolades in the long jump.
“As we moved through the day, it was disappointing that Bryan (McBride) wasn’t able to defend his title in the high jump,” Director of Track and Field Greg Kraft said. “He wasn’t happy with the performance, but it’s been well documented that he’s been battling a stress reaction. Even so, we couldn’t be more proud of everything Bryan has accomplished as a Sun Devil. He’s contributed so much to our program this year and really in all of his four years with us. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him right back here in two weeks at the USA Championships.”
Ohakwe set a new personal best in his first throw in the discus finals, 58.49m (191-10), earning the first All-America honors of his career as he finished eighth. Ohakwe also earned one team point for the Sun Devils, and his PR moves up to No. 6 in the ASU Outdoor Record Book.
“They day got off to a wonderful start with Michael Ohakwe opening up big in the discus,” Kraft said. “When I look at some of the big throws we’ve had this year, I can’t think of any bigger than the one Michael threw today. He came to us from TCU and has developed to become an All-American, and we really couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Also for the Sun Devils, junior Josh Dixon earned Second-Team All-America honors as he finished 16th in the triple jump finals with a mark of 15.81m (51-10.50).
“Josh Dixon was our final competitor of the day, and he’s really been the lone underclassman who has performed for us all year,” Kraft said. “We’re going to need him to be a leader for our team come next season, and we know that he’s going to be able to take that next step. He finishes off this year as a Second-Team All-American, and we’re pleased with that.”
As the men’s competition concluded, ASU finished in a tie for 51st, Oregon winning the team title with 85 points.
Up next, senior Shelby Houlihan will look to defend her title in the 1500m finals, which is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. PT on Saturday. Houlihan will also run in the 5000m finals at 4 p.m. PT. Also for the Sun Devils, redshirt freshman Magdalyn Ewen will compete in the discus at 1:35 p.m. PT.
“We look forward to tomorrow and watching Magdalyn Ewen in the discus, and Shelby Houlihan in her very courageous 1500m and 5000m double,” Kraft said. “It’s going to be a big day for them both.”
Arizona State Results
Men’s High Jump Finals
6. Bryan McBride – 2.19m (7-2.25) (All-American)
Men’s Triple Jump Finals
16. Josh Dixon – 15.81m (51-10.50) (Second-Team All-American)
Men’s Discus Finals
8. Michael Ohakwe – 58.49m (191-10) (All-American) (PR, moves to No. 6 in ASU Outdoor Record Book)
