KU’s Lokedi Set 10K MR In 2018

Celebrating A Century of NCAA Track & Field Championships

KU’s Lokedi Set 10K MR In 2018

Six women dipped under the 30-year-old, final-site meet record in the 10,000 meters at the 2018 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. 

Sharon Lokedi of Kansas led the charge with her 32:09.20 winner, followed by Dorcas Wasike of Louisville at 32:11.81, Karissa Schweizer of Missouri at 32:14.94, Alice Wright of New Mexico at 32:17.92, Charlotte Taylor of San Francisco at 32:17.95 and Anna Rohrer of Notre Dame at 32:26.24. All of them bettered the previous mark of 32:28.57, set by Sylvia Mosqueda of Cal State Los Angeles back in 1988, also at Hayward Field.

It should be mentioned that Mosqueda’s overall championships record had fallen two weeks earlier at the West Preliminary Round, when Schweizer sizzled 25 laps in 32:14.36. Schweizer, who closed that race in 67.48, was one of five athletes under Mosqueda’s standard (Wright, Taylor, Lokedi and Jaci Smith of Air Force were the others). 

Lokedi got the last laugh, an NCAA title and the meet record not long after. 

Through 9200 meters in Eugene, Oregon, Lokedi was locked in a duel with Schweizer and Taylor. All three were within one second of the lead after Schweizer went through that split first in 29:45.95, following the fastest lap of the afternoon at 74.80. 

It only got faster from there – at least for Lokedi. 

The Kansas star continued to push the pace, as she clocked a 74.17 penultimate lap and closed in 68.66 to put her name on top of the all-time chart in meet history.

posted: May 2, 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
Ostrander Made Steeplechase History

Allie Ostrander of Boise State became the first woman in the history of the NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships to win three consecutive steeplechase titles.

Lalang Avenged Loss, Made History

Lawi Lalang beat Edward Cheserek in a thrilling duel to set a meet record in the 5000 Meters at the 2014 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships & doubled back to finish runner-up in the 1500 Meters the next day.

Wolcott Hurdled Into NCAA History

Fred Wolcott of Rice won five NCAA hurdling titles at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, including three consecutive crowns in the 220-yard version.