Northwest Missouri State senior Kate Walter capped her storied career with a third place finish on Thursday, earning All-America status in the hammer throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Walter’s throw of 193’ 11” broke the school record she previously set in the final meet of the season, the Dr. Keeler Invitational when threw a distance of 193’ 4” earning an automatic spot in the championships. Liz Murphy of Grand Valley State took home the title with a throw of 204’ 6” as Jessica Rowland of Findlay finished second.

The senior closes her career with her best mark ever on the biggest stage, the NCAA Championships, and now holds the top five distances in Northwest history. She finishes as a two-time MIAA Champion in the hammer throw and a two-time All-American in the hammer as well.

Junior Brittany Poole also raced in the prelims of the 3000-meter steeplechase racing to a fifth place finish. Poole ran to a time of 11.04.80 earning her a spot in Friday’s finals that are set for 7:15 p.m.

Lekiesha McKnight will also compete for the Bearcats, as the junior will throw in the shot put on Saturday afternoon.

— NWMSU Sports Information —