Owens, Hazzard earn First-Team All-America honors at NCAAs

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia saw two competitors earn first-team All-America honors Saturday during the final day of action at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.

Senior Halle Hazzard (Commack, N.Y.) placed eighth (7.27 seconds) in the 60-meter dash finals to achieve the honor and sophomore Owayne Owens (Montego Bay, Jamaica) received it for his sixth-place performance in the triple jump.

Owens smashed his personal best mark in the triple jump, going 16.53m (54’2.75”) in his sixth and final attempt. His previous best effort was 16.35m (53’7.75”) he set earlier this season.

Owens found himself in ninth place entering the third round and needed to move into the top eight to advance to the event finals. He did just that, going 16.30m (53’5.75”) on his third attempt to improve to sixth place.

“Owayne Owens is a big-time athlete and world class leader,” said Vin Lananna, UVA’s director of track and field and cross country. “We are very proud of him and the things he accomplished this season.”

Hazzard entered the NCAA Championships with the 14th best time in the field of 16 competitors. During Friday’s prelims she set the school record with a time of 7.32 to advance to the event finals.

“Halle Hazzard established herself as a national-caliber sprinter this indoor season,” Lananna said. “She will be ready to go this spring.”

Virginia opens its outdoor season next weekend when the Cavaliers host the UVA Opener meet at Lannigan Field on Saturday, March 20.