Stigler Takes Fourth in 400 Meter Hurdles at USA Championships

EUGENE, Ore. – Kansas senior Michael Stigler came just fractions of a second shy from punching his first ticket to the World Championships after he finished fourth in the 400-meter hurdle final Saturday afternoon at the USA Championships. Ten other current and former Kansas track & field athletes were also in action inside Hayward Field, competing against the top senior and junior athletes from across the nation.
 
Stigler, who entered the weekend as the fourth-ranked American in the 400-meter hurdles this year, was looking to claim a spot on Team USA’s contingent at the World Championships to be held in Beijing, China in August. However, that would require a top-three finish in the event final that featured the three-fastest hurdlers in the world this year.
 
The 2015 NCAA Champion held his own against the world championship-caliber field, never falling below fourth place. With 100 meters to go, Stigler was neck-and-neck with two-time World Champion Kerron Clement in the third position. The veteran, Clement, was able to outkick Stigler down the homestretch to claim the third and final qualifying spot to Beijing, with Stigler coming across the finish line half a second later. Stigler clocked in with a time of 48.96 to finish fourth overall. He has now finished seventh or better in the 400-meter hurdles at three of the last four USA Championship meets.
 
A late addition to the USA Championships was KU junior Sydney Conley, who was added to the women’s long jump lineup just hours prior to the start of the event Saturday. The three-time All-American posted a top leap of 6.32 meters (20’9″) on her third and final attempt, good enough to earn her a 14th-place finish.
 
Kansas also had some in action in the junior championships Saturday. Freshmen pole vaulters Laura Taylor and Alexis Romero each earned top-15 finishes. Both cleared a top bar of 3.95 meters (12’11½”) with Taylor finishing 12th and Romero taking 14th.
 
Several Kansas track & field alumni competed Saturday, looking to earn spots on the medal stand. The top performance came from Kyle Clemons, who ran for the Jayhawks from 2010-13. Still the KU record holder in the 400 meters, Clemons finished fifth in the 400 meter final in a time of 45.35. The performance will put his name int0 the 4×400-meter relay pool that will journey to the World Championships in late August.
 
Another notable outing came from Andrea Geubelle, who took part in the long jump competition. The three-time NCAA champion for the Jayhawks from 2010-13, she finished 13th, just ahead of her former KU teammate, Conley. Geubelle posted a top mark of 6.32 meters (20’9″).
 
 
Current KU Track & Field Athletes at the 2015 USA Championships
Junior Men’s 800 Meters (Final)
—      Anthonio Humphrey    False Start    
 
Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles (Final)
4.      Michael Stigler           48.96 
 
Junior Women’s Pole Vault
t12.   Laura Taylor             3.95m (12’11½”)
14.    Alexis Romero           3.95m (12’11½”)
 
Women’s Long Jump
14.    Sydney Conley          6.32m (20’9″)
 
 
Former KU Track & Field Athletes at the 2015 USA Championships
Men’s 400 Meters (Final)
5.      Kyle Clemmons          45.35
 
Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase (Final)
15.    Rebeka Stowe           10:18.84      
 
Men’s Pole Vault
—      Jordan Scott             No Height
 
Women’s Long Jump
13.    Andrea Geubelle        6.32m (20’9″)
 
Women’s Discus
11.    Jessica Maroszek       55.73m (182’10”)
 
 
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