Monique Newton ’18 Wins National Title in Discus on First Day of NCAA Championships

La Crosse, WI—Senior thrower Monique Newton won the discus event to kick start the 2018 Outdoor NCAA Championships at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Thursday, May 24.

In jeopardy of missing the finals, Newton ripped off a clutch throw of 158-00 to earn herself three more throws and a chance at history. After a foul, Newton's fifth attempted traveled 164-06 (50.14m) to beat the 21-person field by almost two feet. The Sacramento, California, native’s mark breaks her previous school-record performance by four feet, three inches and gives her a second national championship after winning the indoor shot put in 2017. She is officially a seven-time All-American and the first woman athlete in Oberlin College history to win a national championship.

In addition to Newton's national crown, senior Lilah Drafts-Johnson qualified for the finals on Saturday in the 400-meter hurdles. The Melrose, Massachusetts, native entered the event with the nation's top time, placing second in her heat with a time of 1:00.95.

Along with Newton in the discus event, Ana Richardson put a bow on her illustrious career. The senior finished 12th overall with a heave of 141-07. Richardson finishes her career as a two-time All-American and one of the best throwers to graduate from Oberlin College.

The championships continue this weekend with Newton competing in the shot put. Drafts-Johnson will compete in the finals in the 400-meter hurdles.