Senior Jesseka Raymond became Academy of Art University's first NCAA All-American heptathlete en route to making major contributions to the Urban Knights' National Championship at NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Nationals in Pueblo, CO.
Raymond displayed her incredible versatility throughout two days and seven events as part of the heptathlon. Beginning by winning the 100m hurdles (13.57) on Friday, the senior from New Orleans, LA went on to post a 5-1.75 (1.57m) high jump and new program record 37-6 (11.43m) in the shotput. After another #1 time (24.56) in the 200m dash, Raymond closed out the day in the heptathlon overall lead. Later that same day, she also competed in the prelims of the 4x100m relay and 100m dash.
Day two of the event saw Raymond's top distance in the long jump come in her first attempt. The senior's 18-1 (5.51m) mark kept her on top of the heptathlon standings where she remained following the javelin as well. Raymond threw a season-best 109-5 (33.37m) to finish ninth in the individual competition with an 800m race to be run in 90-degree heat coming 30 minutes later. Saving a big burst of speed for the final 150m, Raymond posted a final time of 2:35.13 which got her enough points for second in the entire heptathlon and All-American honors.
In addition to her success in the heptathlon, Raymond qualified for the finals of the 100mH where she finished seventh with a time of 13.74, earning her another All-American trophy.
Finally, Raymond was one of four Knights who earned All-American status for their 45.21 time and second place finish in the finals of the 4x100m relay.
