GREENSBORO, NC - Austin Peay State University women's track
and field team saw the careers of two of its greatest field athletes come to an
end, Friday, at the Irwin Bell Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T
University in the NCAA East Regional, with seniors Carrie Burggraf and Molly Bartkiewicz failing to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
"It was an unfortunate time to have a bad day," said head
coach Doug Molnar. "Each has gone over the height that ultimately won today's
competition this year; I'm at a loss for what happened today. I still believe
they are two of the best pole vaulters in the country, but you have to earn the
right to go to the Championships at the Regional and it just wasn't in the
cards today."
Bartkiewicz unfortunately couldn't clear the bar at the
opening-round height of 3.75 meters. Burggraf started off strong, clearing the
3.75 meter mark in one attempt. However, she missed all three attempts at 3.90
meters to finish in a tie for 16th.
Though the two finished their careers for the Lady Govs,
Molnar had nothing but positives to say about the record-setting duo.
"They both had great careers," said Molnar. "I'm excited
about what they've done and the notoriety they've given our program, as well as
what they will do. Both are good enough to continue in this sport and I hope
they do. The girls behind them certainly have some big shoes to fill."
