Academy of Art University Athletics

Marie-Jeanne Ourega capped a stellar debut indoor season with Academy of Art by finishing runner-up to the National Champion in the long jump at Indoor Nationals.

Coming into Nationals ranked fifth in the long jump, Ourega never dropped lower than third on Mar. 12, starting second with a 19-3.25 (5.87m) in her opening attempt before her best jump of the day in her third attempt. The West Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year soared to a new personal record of 20-1.5 (6.13m) to finish the prelims still second to Saginaw Valley's Cheyenne Williamson who had just gone 20-10 (6.35m). The two would remain the only competitors to surpass 20 feet, ending atop the standings as All-Americans.

"Marie-Jeanne really performed well this weekend," said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Kevin LaSure. "With very little competitive opportunities this indoor season, she showed extreme poise in only her third meet of the season, respectively. Coach Nkosinza Balumbu did a great job getting her ready for championship competition in such a short time."