Frerichs Broke Steeplechase Records In 2016

Celebrating A Century of NCAA Track & Field Championships

Frerichs Broke Steeplechase Records In 2016

June 11, 2016

Courtney Frerichs of New Mexico isn’t one for drama. 

Frerichs squashed any semblance of that in the final of the women’s steeplechase at the 2016 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, when she took the lead from the gun and opened up a near full second lead on the field after the first lap. 

By the time Frerichs completed her sixth circuit of the Hayward Field track, many wondered if the seven-year-old collegiate record and meet record of 9:25.54 by Jenny Barringer was in any danger. Frerichs hit 2200 meters at 6:59.85, putting her slightly behind record pace – if she still ran at the 75-second clip she had been for the previous three laps.

Well, Frerichs picked it up and then some. 

Frerichs covered her penultimate lap in 1:13.96 and then ripped around the 400-meter oval in 1:10.57 to close things out and cross the finish line in 9:24.41 for a new collegiate record.

All told, Frerichs won by nearly 17 seconds for the second largest margin of victory in meet history – second only to Barringer’s 26.34-second drubbing in 2009.

posted: February 13, 2021
1921-2021
The NCAA's First Championships

The NCAA and collegiate track & field will mark a momentous milestone in the spring of 2021 -- the 100th anniversary of the NCAA Championships and with that, the NCAA Track & Field Championships. In June 1921, the University of Chicago hosted the first track & field championships in NCAA history.

This point can’t be emphasized enough: Not only was the event the first for NCAA track & field, but the first championships for any sport under the sponsorship of the NCAA.

To celebrate, over each of the next 365 days, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) will celebrate moments, student-athletes, and coaches that have made a century’s worth of championships special. From humble beginnings to important historical milestones to the modern-day, collegiate track & field has evolved with the American society.

The 2021 edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin with preliminary round action on May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Fla., and College Station, Texas. The championships final site and culmination of the celebration is slated for June 9-12, 2021 at the newly rebuilt Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Memorable Moments
Plab Reached Lofty Heights In NCAA HJ

Darrin Plab won back-to-back HJ titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1991 & 1992. Plab cleared 2.34m (7-8) in 1992 & tied the 2nd best bar in meet history.

Peoples Made History One Lap At A Time

Maurice Peoples won the 440-yard dash in 1973 & then really turned up the heat. Peoples split 43.4 on the Sun Devils’ mile relay team that finished third in the final.

KU’s Lokedi Set 10K MR In 2018

Sharon Lokedi won the 10K at the 2018 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in a meet-record 32:09.20. Lokedi led five other women under the old final-site best, too.

Can Ereng Kick It? Yes, He Can!

Paul Ereng won back-to-back 800-meter titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1988 & 1989. Ereng is still the current indoor record holder in the event.

Dwight Stones Set High Jump WR In 1976

Dwight Stones set a world record in the high jump of 2.31m (7-7) at the 1976 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. Stones also raised the MR by more than 3 inches!