Acayo represents Kent State at Nationals
Mike Schober, senior Sports Administration major, competes in the Men’s Pole Vault at the Doug Raymond Invitational at the Field House on Jan. 15, 2011. File photo.
“This is Penny’s chance to stand on the podium at nationals,” Coach Bill Lawson said.
Grad student Penina Acayo is Kent State’s lone representative at NCAA Indoor Championship in Boise, Idaho.
Despite not being called in the original 288 athletes called to the meet, Acayo was invited to nationals after another athlete scratched.
“It’s a very complicated process how they pick the athletes,” Lawson said. “It’s not uncommon for a scratch due to illness or injury. We got the call a day late, and Penny and Coach Phil [Rickaby] are in Boise.”
Acayo was ranked 17th in the triple jump by one centimeter. Originally, the top 16 jumpers were called, but when a spot opened up, Kent State gladly sent one of its own.
“It’s really difficult to qualify,” Lawson said. “I’m really happy for Penny.”
Acayo’s event is scheduled for Saturday evening at 6:20 p.m.
Contact Daniel Staimpel at [email protected].