PITTSBURG, Kansas - T'oni Birden wrapped up her sophomore indoor campaign on Friday, finishing fourth in the long jump at the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Her fourth jump of 6.10 meters set a UWG record, notched a fourth place finish in all of Division II, and further cemented Birden's legacy at UWG as she became the first All-American in UWG women's track and field history.
Birden opened with a solid 5.97 meter jump and then hit 6.03 meters in her third jump to set a personal best, but her fourth jump of the day, and first after the two heats were consolidated was the 6.10 meter jump.
The Conyers native had two more attempts to try and get on the podium, but faulted in her fifth jump and landed just shy of 6.00 meters in her final attempt.
Nicole Warwick of Azusa Pacific won the National Championship in the long jump, setting a Division II record of 6.55 meters. Jonon Young of Cal. State Los Angeles finished second (6.30m) and Arianna Passeri of U-Mary finished third (6.20m).
Birden now shifts her focus to outdoor season where she aims to be just the second UWG student-athlete to qualify for NCAA Nationals.