Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney junior thrower Sam Murphy and freshman hurdler Allen Osborn earned All-American honors Saturday at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Houston, Texas.

The pair joins senior Kelli Dring, who finished seventh in the long jump on Friday, as Lopers to place in the top eight this weekend.

Earning her first All-American honor, Murphy (Franklin) finished fifth in the shot put with a toss of 45-9.75. She reached that distance in her fourth of six attempts. Krissy Tandle of Central Washington was the national champion thanks to a throw of 48-9.50.

Also, Gothenburg junior Kiley Peterson was 11th (44-3.25) in this event.

In the men's 60 hurdle finals, Osborn (Chadron) ran an 8.36 to finish seventh. Andrew McDowell of Abilene Christian (Texas) placed first in a time of 7.92.

Osborn is the first UNK man to earn All-American honors on the track since Allen Burrell placed sixth at 400 meters at the 2002 outdoor championships.  

Also on Saturday, juniors Dane Tobey (shot put) and Dakota Cochrane (pole vault) competed.

Already battling a bad knee, Tobey sprained his ankle on his first attempt but still managed to make it to the finals. However, he missed his fifth All-American honor by finishing ninth (55-5.75). Adams State senior Matt Gersick won the national title with a top heave of 59-0.25.

Finally, Cochrane (Fairbury) placed 12th by clearing 15-11. Senior Dan Tierney of Ashland (Ohio) placed first by going 17-9.

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