Wilkinson wins 3rd javelin title

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Nebraska senior javelin thrower Kayla Wilkinson set a new Big 12 Championship record with a toss of 182 feet, 10 inches at the Big 12 Championships on Friday in Boulder, Colo.

Wilkinson, a Deshler native, earned her third career title, becoming the first women’s three time champion at Nebraska.

Wilkinson joined Herbert Grote as the only two individuals to win three conference javelin titles. Grote won Big Six titles in 1940, 1941, 1946, and 1947. Wilkinson is also one of only eight Huskers to win three or more outdoor titles.

Wilkinson returned to competition after sitting out the 2007 season with a shoulder injury.

“After winning the (Big 12) conference title in 2005 and 2006, it was really hard to have to sit and watch at home last year with my shoulder injury,” Wilkinson said. “It is an indescribable feeling to be a three-time conference champion.

Throws coach Mark Colligan was proud of Wilkinson.

“Kayla is a relentless worker and it’s great to see her come back the way she has,” he said. “Winning three conference javelin titles is something really special.”

Freshman distance runner Lara Crofford finished second in the 10,000-meter run.

In the women’s heptathlon, freshman Megan Wheatley leads a trio of Huskers in the top three spots heading into the final day of competition. Chantae McMillan is second (3,185 points), while Rachel Butler holds down the third spot (3,071 points). 

In the men’s portion of the meet, junior Skyler Reising is third in the decathlon with 4,117 points. Reising, a graduate of Lincoln Northeast, set personal bests in the 100-meter dash and long jump.

Keith Lloyd was fourth in the hammer, while Bryan Bell finished seventh.

The meet continues today.