Hayes grad nabs national title

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Staff Report

Ohio Northern University Sophomore Emily Richards earned her first NCAA title in impressive fashion as she won the 800-meter run on the final day of the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships Saturday afternoon at Walston-Hoover Stadium.

Richards, a two-time All-Amerian, won the event with a new stadium record time of 2:05.88.

The sophomore dominated the race from the onset, as she used the first 300 meters to create separation from the nine-women field. Richards then ran alone across the finish line, beating the field by nearly four seconds.

“I knew I had to take it from the gun and not let up,” Richards said. “It’s been a really long journey and feels great to finally reach my goal.”

Richards qualified for the national meet in 2:05.54, running the third fastest time in Division III history.

“Fantastic race, she ran really well and moved at 300 meters,” ONU head coach Jason Maus said. “She has been on a mission since March and it’s nice to finally see her hard work be rewarded on a day like today.”

As a senior at Hayes, Richards qualified for the OHSAA Division I State Track and Field Championships in the 400-meter run. She finished 11th overall with a time of 59.39 seconds.

Richards is a six-time OAC champion, two-time NCAA qualifier and an OAC Outdoor Distance Runner of the Year since joining the Polar Bears two years ago.

Ashley Birchmeier contributed to this report.

Ohio Northern University sophomore and Hayes grad Emily Richards competes in the finals of the 800-meter run during the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships Saturday afternoon at Walston-Hoover Stadium. Richards won the event with a new stadium record time of 2:05.88.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/06/web1_richards.jpgOhio Northern University sophomore and Hayes grad Emily Richards competes in the finals of the 800-meter run during the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships Saturday afternoon at Walston-Hoover Stadium. Richards won the event with a new stadium record time of 2:05.88.
ONU’s Emily Richards wins NCAA title in 800-meter run

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