Fetherstonhaugh Advances to 3,000M Steeplechase National Championship

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Grace Fetherstonhaugh obliterated her PR in the 3,000m steeplechase on Saturday in E.B. Cushing Stadium on the final day of the NCAA West Regionals to advance to the National Championships.
 
"I was very proud of our women today," said head coach Louie Quintana. "The conditions here are very challenging. Grace (Fetherstonhaugh) was magnificent. She was poised and raced tough to get through. I'm so happy for her.   
 
"It was a bummer for Kaylee (Mitchell). It was a tough day, but I'm still really proud of her season and she still has the Olympic Trials where she will be ready to roll. We finished it off with Audrey (Lookner) in the 5k. She raced solid and poised. She doesn't get enough credit, but she has had an amazing year and she's the glue to this unit. She is a great leader."
 
Fetherstonhaugh, who was seeded 13th in the 3,000m steeplechase, finished third in her heat and seventh in the field with a new PR and second-fastest time in school history of 9:50.40. Her previous PR was 9:54.60 that she set at the Pac-12 Championships this year. After finishing seventh, she qualified for her first NCAA Championships.
 
"I am feeling so stoked to have made it to the National Championships," Fetherstonhaugh said. "It has been a goal of mine since my freshman season when I was two spots away from qualifying. I was very excited and relieved to cross the finish line.
 
"I'm leaving the meet feeling happy with the result but am also hungry for another PR in Eugene. I'm super lucky to have such amazing teammates and coaches that have helped me enjoy the process and take lots of baby steps to get here."
 
Kaylee Mitchell ended her first year with OSU with a time of 10:36.68 in the 3,000m steeplechase, finishing 35th at her first career NCAA Regionals.
 
Audrey Lookner claimed 37th in the 5,000m, clocking in with a finish of 16:56.89.
 
Next up: Fetherstonhaugh will travel to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon for the NCAA National Championships, June 10-12, to compete in the 3,000m steeplechase.
 
Follow Us on Social
For more information on the Oregon State women's cross country and track and field teams, visit OSUBeavers.com or follow the team's official Twitter account at Twitter.com/BeaverTFXC, on Facebook at Facebook.com/BeaverTFXC, or on Instagram at Instagram.com/BeaverTFXC.
 
OUR MISSION
Oregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).