College Report

March 21, 2008 - The wait is over. Jesse Carlin is an All American. Twice.

The University of Pennsylvania senior from St. Joseph by-the-Sea HS was sixth in the 800-meter run at the recent NCAA Division I championship meet, held at the Tyson Center at the University of Arkansas.

One of 16 qualifiers for the 800, she had the 13^th fastest time going into the meet, but managed to survive the brutal heats to gain the final with the 8^th fastest time.

In the final, she boldly took the lead after the 400 meter mark, and actually led with 100 meters to go. She faded down the stretch, but managed to hold on to sixth, and All American.

She received All American honors a second time in the distance medley relay, where she ran the 800-meter leg for Penn.

Receiving the baton in 10^th place, she brought her team to fifth with a spectacular 2:05.84 carry, and Penn wound up seventh for another All American trophy.

Carlin seemed to be happier about the team gaining the honors.

"I’m so happy for the girls," because they worked so hard to get here," she said.

Saidu Ezike of Cornell (Port Richmond) also qualified for the NCAA championship meet in the 60-meter hurdles.

He didn’t have his best day, running 7.96, but being one of the best 16 in the USA is no small feat.

One result from the previous weekend was omitted.

Anthony Collica, the high jumper from Albany (St. Joseph by-the-Sea) was third in the America East Conference championship. He cleared 1.98m (6-6).