Hamilton and Willer Add to Nebraska?s All-America Total

Eugene, Ore. - For the third day in a row, Nebraska was again well represented at Hayward Field as juniors Paul Hamilton (high jump) and Natalie Willer (pole vault) claimed All-America honors at the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.

With each making their third straight NCAA outdoor championship appearance, Hamilton used a career-high outdoor performance of 7-3 ¾ to finish third in the high jump, while Willer cleared 13-9 ¼ in the pole vault to finish sixth. Their contributions increase Nebraska's All-America total to six through the third day of the national meet.

A two-time Big 12 outdoor champion, Hamilton was smooth through the first four heights, clearing 6-8 ¾, 6-10 ¾, 7-0 ¼ and 7-1 ½. As the field narrowed to 10 competitors, Hamilton went over 7-2 ½ on his second attempt to reach the final five. The junior then missed his first try at 7-3 ¾, but cleared on his second attempt to guarantee a top-three finish before being eliminated at 7-5. It marks Hamilton's second All-America honor after he finished third at the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championships. He previously placed 10th (2009) and 20th (2008) outdoors.

Willer was nearly as impressive after entering the meet seeded in a tie for eighth. The Elkhorn, Neb., native was perfect at 12-9 ½ and 13-1 ½ before her first slip-up at 13-5 ¼. After clearing on her second attempt, Willer made the top 10 by sailing over the bar at 13-9 ¼ on her first try. The two-time Big 12 champion was unable to advance past 14-1 ¼, but finished sixth to mark the first All-America honor of her career. She tied for 15th as a freshman and did not clear a height at last year's outdoor nationals

Willer and Hamilton are among eight Nebraska natives competing for the Huskers this week. The 2010 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships conclude Saturday with four NU men set to compete on the final day of competition. In the field, junior Nicholas Gordon and sophomore Chris Phipps will begin the day on the long jump (11:30 a.m. CST), just before along senior Trey Jordan participates in the shot put (11:40 a.m. CST). Senior Lehann Fourie will be the final Husker to compete as he takes part in the 110-meter hurdles (1:15 p.m. CST). Fourie had the third-fastest preliminary time on Thursday.

CBS will provide television coverage from Noon-3 p.m. CST.

2010 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championshps
Nebraska Results
Eugene, Ore.
June 11, 2010

Men's High Jump
3. Paul Hamilton (7-3 ¾)

Women's Pole Vault
6. Natalie Willer (13-9 ¼)