WSU’s Anderson wins his third NCAA hurdles title

DES MOINES, Iowa – Washington State’s Jeshua Anderson won the men’s 400 hurdles at the NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships on Friday night for the third time in four years, capping his storied collegiate career by winning his last race on the same track where he won his first NCAA title in the 400 hurdles three years ago. “The first one was probably the sweetest,” Anderson said. “Drake (Stadium) is a great place. This was a good place for me to finish.” After an hour delay because of lightning in the area, Anderson won in a time of 48.56 seconds on a wet track with light rain falling. Anderson, from Woodland Hills, Calif., came into the race with a national-leading time of 48.13 seconds, fifth best in the world in 2011. Stanford’s Amaechi Morton was second in 49.08. “The big thing was to stay focused. … the track was wet and there was the delay, but I’m blessed with the time and thankful for another title,” Anderson said. “I wanted to run faster but within the conditions, I’m thankful.” Anderson also won the hurdles in 2008 and 2009 but was second to South Carolina’s Johnny Dutch last year. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have Jeshua Anderson on our track and field team for the past four years,” WSU head coach Rick Sloan said. “I look forward to watching Jesh in the Olympic Games, hopefully.” Anderson plans to compete in the national championships in Eugene, Ore., June 23-26. Also Friday, Idaho senior Eugenio Mannucci finished his college career with a 15th-place finish in the shot put. He threw the shot 57-11 to improve on his 21st place from a year ago. Arizona State’s Jordan Clarke won at 64-93/4. Senior Jordan Roskelley, a Mt. Spokane graduate competing for Oregon, was among six women who cleared 13-11/2 in the pole vault, placing 17th based on attempts.