MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Ray Ray Taylor represented EMU Track & Field well on the national stage on Friday by achieving All-American status in the heptathlon for the second year in a row at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C.  

Taylor, a graduate student from Pottstown, Pa., finished fourth in the heptathlon with 5,026 points.  Grace Alley of Loras College successfully defended her NCAA DIII national title in the heptathlon with a cumulative score of 5,289 points, holding off a strong challenge from runner-up Nikki Boon of Emory (5,251 points).
 
Heptathlon Events Summary

• Long Jump: Taylor got her best jump on her first attempt of the afternoon, leaping into the sand pit at 5.56m (18'-3"). Taylor then nearly replicated that effort with a 5.55m second jump before fouling on her final attempt. The first jump stood up to finish third in the event.
• Javelin: Taylor excelled in one of her best events, getting a throw of 37.37m (122'-7") on her first attempt. That mark put her comfortably in third place for the javelin, and she rose to fourth in the overall heptathlon standings entering the final event.
• 800-Meter Run: Taylor hung with the pack in the fast heat of the 800m, crossing the line 11th in that event with a time of 2:27.41 to maintain fourth overall.  

Taylor wraps up her illustrious track & field career at EMU with two All-American recognitions, three NCAA championship meet appearances, three individual ODAC championships, two-time ODAC Field Athlete of the Meet, and seven EMU school records.

Hear From Ray Ray Taylor

On what it means to be an All-American:
"To me, All-American just means that you gave it your all. You got here, you qualified for nationals, and while you were here, you did well in jump, throws, whatever event it is."

What's Next
That concludes the 2023-24 campaign for EMU Track & Field. They will now look ahead to the 2024-25 season and the anticipated completion of the new on-campus track & field complex this summer.