University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
NCAA Championships
Mulder Takes Third in 800 Meter Run At NCAA Outdoor Championships
6/13/2009 8:00:00 AM | Track and Field
June 13, 2009
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior Tyler Mulder capped off his stellar career at the University of Northern Iowa with a third place finish in the 800 meter run Saturday afternoon at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
The senior sat neck and neck with leaders Tevan Everett of Texas and Oregon's Andrew Wheating with just over 100 meters left, but Everett and Wheating used one final kick with 50 meters to go to finish just ahead of Mulder.
The now eight-time All-American clocked in a career-best and school record time of 1:46.80, finishing just behind Everett who finished second with a time of 1:46.27. Wheating took the title, clocking in at 1:46.21.
“I felt like it could have been mine,” Mulder said. “I knew I had to make my move around the 500 meter mark. I didn't know who was on my shoulder bumping me at that point, but when I saw it was Wheating I knew I needed to go with him then. I picked it up a little bit, but I didn't want to pass him on the curve, so I waited. On the homestretch I tried to kick it in, and I had a solid kick, but I didn't have the best placement. I think if I'd have had better placement it could have gone in my favor.”
“It was a personal best so I'm not going to beat myself up about it too much,” Mulder said. “I'm happy to do that, but I'm not satisfied. I'll have to go get it at the USA Championships.”
Mulder finishes his career in the Purple and Gold as the most decorated athlete in school history, with eight All-America honors along with winning the 2008 NCAA indoor 800 meter crown. Mulder set individual school records in the 800 meters (outdoor), and 1000 meters (indoor). The Orange City, Iowa native also aided in setting school records in the 4x400 meter relay (outdoor), sprint medley relay (outdoor), and distance medley relay (indoor).
“Tyler did a great job today and I am extremely proud of him,” UNI head coach Travis Geopfert said. “This was an amazing 800 meter field and he ran a very good race. He let them get away from him a little bit with 300 meters left but came back with about 200 meters and finished strong.”
“Tyler is the first eight-time All-American at UNI and that says a lot about him right there. He is an unbelievable competitor and unbelievable kid. He has a lot of big races ahead of him and a lot to look forward too.”
Mulder will now prepare for the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships held June 25-28 in Eugene, Ore.
