EMPORIA, KANSAS – Anders Larsen of the University of Alaska Anchorage earned first-team All-American honors after finishing seventh in the decathlon with 7,041 points, the second-highest total in school history.
Larsen, a native of Chugiak, Alaska started day two by running 14.94 (857 points) in the 110 hurdles. He threw the discus 35.06/115-0 (565 points) and cleared 4.00/13-1.5 in the pole vault (617 points), the seventh-best mark in school history. He wrapped up the day with a throw of 48.80/160-1 in the javelin (571 points) and ran 5:07.36 in the 1,500 (518 points).
"Anders competed in one epically long decathlon," said head coach Ryan McWilliams. "Consorted in inclement weather, dealt with weather delays, dealt with equipment delays and some very stiff competitors. He came in 15th and leaves as an All-American with his seventh-place finish. "I just couldn't be more proud of him."
John Peckham finished 11th in the steeplechase in a time of 9:07.16 in the last race of his collegiate career.
Jessica Chisar ran 2:07.99 in the prelims of the 800 to finish fifth in her heat and 10th overall and did not qualify for the finals.
"This is the toughest meet of the year," said McWilliams. "Best competition in the division. We had a great group of athletes here. I'm proud to have had them represent UAA and proud of the way every single one of them competed.
"Jess, Ryann, Vivien, John and Anders represent the most athletes we have had at this meet in a long time. They have set the standard for the program going forward, and we are ready for our young team to continue the trajectory."
The UAA men are tied for 25th in the team standings with two points.
