Mines Alumni Classic & Multi Results (Day 1)

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Getting an early start to the indoor season, Academy of Art track & field made its 2017-18 debut inside Steinhauer Fieldhouse at the Colorado School of Mines Alumni Classic & Multi on Thursday. Michane Ricketts highlighted the day, emerging with a NCAA automatic qualifier and new ART U record in the long jump.

The last flight of the final event of the day saw Ricketts soar to a distance never before reached by an Urban Knight. Although he opened with two fouls, his next three jumps were each progressively further than the last until he hit the NCAA Nationals automatic qualifying standard with a 25-3.25 (7.70m) on his last attempt. The mark, which is now the No. 1 distance in the country across every division of the NCAA, surpasses multi-time All-American Johnny Carter's previous school record set at Indoor Nationals in 2013.

"Coming into the competition, I felt good but the support of my coaches and teammates is what really gave me the energy to do what I did," said Ricketts. "Now, heading into day two, it's a matter of fixing the small things for my event going for the best. I have the best coaches and team members at my back."

After starting strong with an opening jump of 18-7.75 (5.68m), Marion Presigny saved her best for last with an 18-11.75 (5.78m) on her sixth and final attempt. The mark would immediately put her third in the country as a Nationals provisional qualifier. Coming in seventh overall, Rian Young-Werner posted an 18.75 (5.53m) for her best distance of the day.

The women's pentathlon featured two Urban Knights with Folke Woch and Briaunna Caver claiming 13th (2890) and 14th (2853) respectively. The shot put event was the highlight event for both as they each won their respective flights. Caver placed first of 21 with a new career-best throw of 37-10.75 (11.55m). Woch took second overall with a 36-11.50 (11.26m) conversion.
 
Also in the men's long jump, Arrun Palacio made his collegiate debut with a 16th place finish, going 20-9.75 (6.34m).

Academy of Art will return for a busier second day at the Mines Alumni Classic & Multi tomorrow.