NCAA INDOOR T&F: Phillips National Runner-Up In 200 Meters, Three Timberwolves Claim All-America Honors
NCAA DIVISION II INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS – DAY 2
PHILLIPS NATIONAL RUNNER-UP, TWO-TIME ALL-AMERICAN
Sophomore Mason Phillips leaves Kansas with two All-America honors. His first of the day came in the men's 60 meter dash, claiming a third place finish with a new school record and lifetime best of 6.72 seconds. He becomes the second All-American in the event, joining Will Fulton who placed eighth in 2008.
He later returned to the track for the men's 200 meter finals to become the first All-American in Northwood history, clocking a time 21.06 seconds en route to a national runner-up finish. Phillips's time cracked the Division II all-conditions best list for the second time this weekend. He now owns the No. 5 and No. 11 times on that list, and is the third-fastest athlete on an oversized track with his time set in the 200 meter prelims (20.91 seconds).
In total, Phillips has three indoor All-America honors to his name and four overall in his career. He ends the indoor season as a two-time GLIAC Champion, three-time All-GLIAC performer, the GLIAC Male Track Athlete of the Meet and the Highest Point Scorer of the GLIAC Championships. He also broke three school records – in the 60 meters (6.72 seconds) and 200 meters (20.91 seconds) and as a member of the distance medley relay (9:53.12).
GHARSALLI TAKES BRONZE
Senior Rami Gharsalli ran to a third place All-American finish in the men's 60 meter hurdles, clocking in at 7.94 seconds.
He concludes his indoor career with three All-American honors in the event – he was the national runner-up in 2017 and placed ninth last year for second team honors. Gharsalli is also a two-time GLIAC Champion in the 60 meter hurdles and holds the school record in the hurdles (7.81 seconds).
POWELL NAMED SECOND TEAM IN HIGH JUMP
Senior Heaven Powell claimed second team All-America honors in her NCAA debut. She was able to clear 1.63 meters (5 feet-4.25 inches) for a 12th place finish.
Powell's final indoor season has been a memorable one, leaving Northwood as the best high jumper in school history after breaking Hall of Famer Julane Thayer's school record of 1.70 meters (5 feet-7 inches) set in 1985. She also concludes her indoor career as a three-time GLIAC placewinner.
MEN'S TEAM EARNS HIGHEST FINISH IN RECENT YEARS
The men's team finished in a tie for 13th place with 20 team points. This is the highest team finish for the Timberwolves at the NCAA Indoor Championships to improve upon their 23rd place finish in 2017 with eight points. Phillips contributed 14 points with his two event finishes, with Gharsalli earning six points to the team total with his third place finish in the hurdles.
UP NEXT: The outdoor campaign will begin with the adidas Winthrop Invitational March 22-23 in Rock Hill, S.C.
Lauren Ellsworth / T&F