MARION, Ind. - Three IU Kokomo student-athletes saw action on day one of the 2024 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships Wednesday, hosted by Indiana Wesleyan in nearby Marion.

Emma Byrum proved to be the highlight of day one action for the Cougars, as she finished 4th of 31 in the Javelin Throw to earn All-America honors for the first time of her career. The fourth-place finish is the highest ever by an IU Kokomo female student-athlete at Outdoor Nationals.

Knowing that the top nine marks between all three flights advance to finals, Byrum had to leave it all out there on her third and final throw of flight three action Wednesday night. She did just that, delivering a personal best throw of 42.61 meters to propel herself to fifth and clinch a spot in the finals.

Byrum stayed put in fifth-place after her first throw in the finals, but yet another personal best throw of 43.31 meters moved her up a spot to fourth with one throw remaining. Emma stayed in fourth throughout the remainder of throws, as she clinched All-American honors to close her collegiate career with a bang.

Freshman phenom Sydney Duncan was the first Cougar to compete Wednesday, as she saw action in the Hammer Throw. She finished 19th with her best throw being 49.51 meters, and will be back in action Thursday to compete in Shot Put, where she is seeded eighth.

Junior distance runner Hannah Wells competed in the 3,000 Meter Steeplechase Wednesday just prior to Byrum, a grueling event that features 35 jumps. Wells would finish 22nd with a time of 11:52.34, capping a strong year for the Indianapolis native.

In order to view full results, click HERE.

Thursday's IU Kokomo Schedule of Events
- Sydney Duncan in Shot Put at 2:30 PM
- Maddie Dotlich in the 5,000 Meter Racewalk at 4:45 PM
- Ethan Carmean and Nick Anders in the 5,000 Meter Racewalk at 5:15 PM

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.