Sophomore Sally Ceesay became Bates College's first All-American triple jumper since 1985 on Saturday, placing eighth at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Ceesay (Bronx, N.Y.) matched the school record she set last year for the second time this season, soaring 11.75 meters, or 38 feet and 6.75 inches, on her second attempt of the day, and did not improve upon that the rest of the way despite three additional attempts of 11.36 meters or better.
Ceesay, competing at nationals for the second time in her career, was tied for fifth place in the field of 17 as the top nine entered the final round. She was passed by three athletes in the finals, but finished 0.75 inches ahead of Williams junior Chloe Rogers for eighth place and her first career All-America honor.
Bates' only other All-America performance in the triple jump, for men or women, was Camille McKayle's sixth-place showing in 1985.
Ceesay becomes Bates' 22nd athlete ever to claim All-America honors in women's indoor track and field.
