Payne Remains Strong on Bowerman Watch List
6/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
USTFCCCA Release
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- The final women's Watch List for the 2015 Bowerman Trophy is out and Stephen F. Austin's Demi Payne remains as a top contender to bring home collegiate track and field's most prestigious honor. The junior pole vaulter has appeared on the Watch List for three consecutive releases and six times overall in 2015.
Payne will have a chance to make her final impression on the Bowerman Watch List Committee when she competes at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon on June 11. She enters the meet as one of the favorites to win an individual title after experiencing one of the best seasons in women's pole vault history.
The New Braunfels, Texas native currently holds the second best outdoor jump all-time at the collegiate level, jumping 15-5.5 (4.71m) at the Southland Conference Championships on May 8. The mark is also the fourth-best in the world this season.
During the indoor slate, Payne shattered the collegiate record three times with a top height of 15-7 (4.75m) in New Mexico on Jan. 24. Overall in 2015, Payne has won 12 times and has been the top collegiate performer in seven straight meets heading into nationals.
The Bowerman, which debuted in 2009, is presented annually by the USTFCCCA to the most outstanding male and female collegiate track & field athletes in the nation. In total, the winners from the award's first four years have won two Olympic Medals, two World Championships and six World Championships medals. When considering finalists for the award, 13 individuals have earned a combined six Olympic medals, four World Championships and 17 World Championships medals.
Bill Bowerman served the sport of track and field in numerous ways. His leadership in the USTFCCCA's predecessor organization, the National Collegiate Track Coaches Association, and his contributions to NCAA track and field and the running community as a whole are among his many lasting legacies.
The 10 women's semifinalists for the award will be announced on June 23.
The women's pole vault competition at the 2015 NCAA Championships will begin at 4:45 PT on Wednesday of next week. Fans can catch Payne in action on one of the ESPN Networks.
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