University of Memphis Athletics

Photo by: Nikki Boertman
Neelly, McMiller Qualify For U.S. Junior Nationals Saturday
May 06, 2017 | Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field
Pryke wins seventh women's javelin title this season.
OXFORD, Miss. – University of Memphis freshmen Adam Neelly and DeeNia McMiller both set qualifying marks for the 2017 United States Junior Nationals at Saturday's Ole Miss Classic. The U.S. Junior Nationals are scheduled for June 22-25 in Sacramento, Calif.
Neelly's fourth-place throw of 170-6.25 (51.97m) in the men's discus earned him a spot in the event at the U.S. Junior Nationals. Earlier this outdoor season, Neelly secured a spot in the shot put for the junior national championships.
McMiller earned her U.S. Junior Nationals spot in the women's shot put with a toss of 50-7.25 (15.42m) Saturday. She placed fourth in the shot put at the Ole Miss Classic.
2017 Ole Miss Classic Highlights
- Sophomore Ashley Pryke made it a perfect sweep of women's javelin titles during the 2017 outdoor regular season with her first-place performance Saturday. She won the Ole Miss Classic women's javelin crown with a 150-4.5 (45.83m) throw. Pryke won all seven women's javelin events in the 2017 outdoor campaign.
- Adam Neelly's 170-6.25 (51.97m) discus throw was a personal-best. The mark surpassed his previous-best by over four feet. His previous-best was 166-1 (50.62m) at Arkansas State's Red Wolves Open Apr. 22.
- DeeNia McMiller set two personal-bests Saturday. In qualifying for the U.S. Junior Nationals in women's shot put, McMiller threw a personal-best 50-7.25 (15.42m). Her previous-best mark was 46-11.75 (14.32m) at Arkansas State's Red Wolves Open Apr. 22. On Saturday, McMiller also set a personal-best in the women's hammer with a 165-5 (50.41m) throw. Her previous-best of 163-3 (49.75m) came at that same Red Wolves Open meet.
- Junior Michael Criticos placed second in the men's javelin (217-11.25/66.42m). He placed second by a mere 2.25 inches Saturday. It was the only time this season Criticos did not win the men's javelin title at an outdoor meet. He had won the men's javelin title at the previous six outdoor competitions.
Memphis Men's Results
Discus – 4. Adam Neelly, 170-6.25 (51.97m); 5. Rafael Vallery, 170-2 (51.86m); 10. Wade Wells, 145-4.75 (44.31m)
Shot put -- 6. Adam Neelly, 54-6.75 (16.63m); 11. Rafael Vallery, 51-9.25 (15.78m)
Javelin – 2. Michael Criticos, 217-11.25 (66.42m)
Memphis Women's Results
Discus – 3. Nina de Poorter, 154-1 (46.96m)
Hammer – 4. DeeNia McMiller, 165-5 (50.41m)
Shot put – 4. DeeNia McMiller, 50-7.25 (15.42m)
Javelin – 1. Ashley Pryke, 150-4.5 (45.83m); 9. Kelly Baxter, 107-3.75 (32.70m)
Players Mentioned
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