Mahalsky and Ataman wrap up competition on day one of NCAA East Regional

Thursday, May 29

Jacksonville, Fla.

Lehigh University

NCAA Championships - First Round

Mahalsky and Ataman wrap up competition on day one of NCAA East Regional

5/29/2014 10:31:00 PM | Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field

Results

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lehigh track and field senior Jimil Ataman and junior Ryan Mahalsky completed successful showings Thursday at the first day of the NCAA East Regional. The two Mountain Hawks were the first of five Lehigh student-athletes to compete in the three-day event at North Florida's Hodges Stadium.

"I'm super proud of them for competing so well at this level," said head coach Matt Utesch. "Just being able to get to this level is a phenomenal achievement."

Mahalsky competed in the 10,000 meter run and crossed the line in 31:33.53 to finish in 35th place. The run caps off a successful junior campaign in which the Hillsborough, N.J. native recorded multiple top-five finishes at league championship meets and was named first team All-Patriot League following the cross country season.

"Ryan was tough as nails," said Utesch. "The conditions were very hot and humid and he really battled back at the end of the race and finished a spot higher than his seed mark. He represented Lehigh very well and I know this experience will aid him next year in his senior season and he'll come back with a vengeance."

Ataman wrapped up her Lehigh career with a 52.82m heave in the hammer throw. Her mark was good for 40th place. The Eagle, Idaho native finishes her career as a two-time NCAA East Regional participant, two-time All-East athlete and school record holder in the hammer throw. Ataman was also named to the Academic All-Patriot League team following the 2013 outdoor season and was one of nine Lehigh senior student-athletes to earn the Distinguished Achievement award at the 2014 end-of-year Athletics Convocation.

"Jimil has achieved goals throughout her career that she didn't even think were possible when she first came here," said Utesch. "She completely represents what Lehigh track and field is all about. She has a great GPA and has truly achieved amazing things on and off the track."

Three other Mountain Hawks will compete in the NCAA East Regional Friday and Saturday for a chance to advance to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore. June 11-14.