By: Hunter McKay
800m results
EUGENE, Ore. – Sarah Hendrick finished fifth in Saturday's 800m final with a time of 2:02.19 to earn First Team All-America honors at the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
"Fifth place was not Sarah's goal coming into this meet and winning a NCAA title is not an easy task," assistant coach
Adam Bray said. "I would've liked to see Sarah be a little more assertive in her positioning early on in the race. She sat back a little too much and despite closing very well over the final 150 meters she was unable to reach the front. She is such a talented athlete and wonderful person to work with. I know she is disappointed but she competed with composure and certainly will be back in the NCAA final next year. Overall, her entire outdoor season has been a tremendous success."
Hendrick has now earned First Team All-America honors at four consecutive NCAA Track and Field Championships. She becomes the first Owl in Division I program history to accomplish that feat.
"I am proud and thankful," Director of Track and Field
Cale McDaniel said. "So thankful for a coach and an athlete that model consistency and passion every single day. Sarah is a very special woman and she has done everything the right way year after year. We are so fortunate to have her lead the way for our program and Kennesaw State as a whole. I know her and coach Bray want to win this thing and that is what makes them great. It's on to U.S. Championships for Sarah, and again we are so proud of her!"
Her time of 2:02.19 ranks third in program history.
"Tonight was not exactly what I wanted but I am glad to still be able to represent KSU and the ASUN Conference on the biggest level in NCAA track," Hendrick said. "I will take this opportunity and learn from it next year."
The junior concluded the outdoor season with 11 race victories. She established a new school record in the 800m and 1500m this season. Her time of 2:00.98 at the Kennesaw State Invitational tied for the fastest time in the NCAA in the 800m this season.
She was named the ASUN Women's Most Outstanding Track Performer and ASUN Most Valuable Performer for her performance at the conference championships where she was the champion in both the 800m and the 1500m races and was runner-up in the 4x400m relay.
The Kennesaw native was named to the ASUN Outdoor Track and Field All-Academic team and the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV Women's At-Large Team.
Hendrick will be back at Hayward Field in June as she will run in the women's 800m at the U.S. Track and Field Championships June 23-26 in Eugene.
Keep up with Owls track and field teams by following KSU on Twitter at @KSUOwlNation and @KSUTrackFieldXC, on Instagram @ksuowlstrackxc or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook.
