DELAWARE, Ohio - It was a season's-best performance for Mount Holyoke College sprinter Camille Coklow at the 2014 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, as she posted a time of 12.06 in her preliminary heat. Despite the outstanding run, Coklow finished just outside of those advancing to Saturday's finals, placing ninth overall.
The winners from each of the three heats followed by the next five best times advanced to the finals. Coklow, who suffered a slight mis-step off the block, recovered brilliantly, but was unable to grab the final qualifying spot.
This was the second straight appearance at the National Championships for the former Latin School of Chicago standout. Coklow, who is a native of Chicago, Ill., represented the Lyons in 2013 during her rookie season, finishing ninth overall in the 100-dash.
Coklow was one of 22 to participate in the 100-meter dash. Her qualifying time of 12.07 had her ranked 13th in the field. She posted her qualifying time during the preliminaries at the ECAC Championships. Coklow finished third overall in the event with a time of 12.12.
It was another impressive season for Coklow, who posted three victories in the 100-dash during the outdoor season. She won the event at the Aloha Relays with a time of 12.60 and went on to capture NEWMAC All-Conference First Team honors at this year's championship with a time of 12.47. Coklow then captured victory at the New England Division III Championships with a then-season's best time of 12.31.
As a first year, Coklow became the first rookie to represent the Lyons at both the Indoor and Outdoor National Championships. She recorded first-place finishes in the 100-meter dash at the American International Invitational, the Aloha Relays and the New England Division III Championships.
Additionally, Coklow eclipsed the school record in the 100m-dash three times in 2013 and remains the all-time record holder with a time of 11.93. The previous record had been held since 1993 by Cheryl Daley, who was Mount Holyoke's first track & field National All-American.
Photo of Coklow at the NCAA Championships following her race, courtesy of Mount Holyoke head coach Tina Lee.
