June 26, 2011

EUGENE, Ore. - Former Golden Bear star Alysia (Johnson) Montano captured her third national title in the women's 800 meters Sunday, running 1:58.33 at the USA Track & Field Championships held at Oregon's Hayward Field.

Montano edged Maggie Vessey, who took second in 1:58.86, to defend her 2010 crown. She won her first USA championship while still a junior at Cal in 2007. As a result of Sunday's race, Montano will represent Team USA at the IAAF World Championships Aug 27-Sept. 4 in Daegu, South Korea.

Montano's victory adds to her impressive resume that includes 2007 NCAA indoor and outdoor titles. Last year, she finished third at the World Indoor Championships and ran a PR 1:57.34 outdoors that ranked as the fastest time in the world for 2010. Montano was rated No. 1 in the United States and No. 3 in the world in the 800 meters by Track & Field News following the season.

Montano's effort wrapped up a mostly successful weekend for the Golden Bears at the USA Championships. Other former Cal track & field athletes who competed were:

• Inika McPherson - 3rd in women's high jump (6-1.25)
• Kristen Meister - 5th in women's high jump (6-0)
• Tracey Stewart - 6th in women's triple jump (PR 44-1.50)
• Ryan Young - 4th in men's javelin (254-8)
• David Torrence - 6th in men's 1500 meters (3:48.31)
• Magdalena Lewy Boulet - 5th in women's 10,000 meters (PR31:48.58)
• Ed Wright - 12th in men's high jump (7-0.50)
• Kelechi Anyanwu - 10th in women's discus (178-11)
• Kristin Heaston - 6th in women's shot put (56-5.75)

  Mike Morrison, who recently captured the NCAA decathlon title with a school-record 8,118 points, was unable to complete the two-day event in Eugene after aggravating a knee in the high jump.

  Several current members of the team competed in the USA Junior Championships, which were run concurrently with the senior meet. Sophomore Angelica Weaver provided the main highlight by winning the women's 400-meter hurdles in 59.83. Freshman Monte Corley also took second in the men's 400 hurdles (51.81). Both Weaver and Corley earned places on the USA team for the Pan American Junior Championships July 22-24.

  Other results included freshman Idarre Coles setting a lifetime best of 6,455 in placing sixth in the decathlon and Scott Esparza taking ninth in the hammer with a mark of 190-11.

  Complete results can be found at usatf.org.