June 27, 2009

Final Stats

EUGENE, Ore. -- Lynette Rives (Clarksville, Tenn.) wrapped up her stellar collegiate career on Saturday evening at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, becoming the first Belmont athlete, male or female, to compete at the elite meet in program history.

As was the case throughout the postseason, the Clarksville, Tenn., native was seeded in the fourth and final heat of the 200m. Among the sprinters she competed against in her heat were Olympic medalist Allyson Felix and bronze medalist at the 2007 World Championships Carmelita Jeter. Rives went on to finish 20^th overall with a time of 23.71 (3.4) in the staggeringly deep and accomplished field.

“(Today's race) was so exciting,” said Rives. “I was disappointed in my performance today but it was electric to be here in this atmosphere.”

“She had a great season and should be proud of all of her accomplishments,” said Belmont women’s track and field assistant coach Cameron Harvey. “Getting to the national championships is an honor in itself.”

Rives, who graduated from Belmont in May with a B.S. in Biology, holds the distinction of being only the second BU track and field athlete to be named All-American, earning the honor last year.  Last month, the Clarksville, Tenn., native, who already holds seven school records, became the first Belmont athlete to compete at back-to-back NCAA Championships in any event.