McLachlan, Murray Represents Loyola at NCAA Track and Field Indoor Championships

NAMPA, Idaho -- Sophomore James McLachlan and junior Declan Murray wrapped up their indoor track and field seasons after competing on Saturday at the NCAA Indoor Championship in Nampa, Idaho.

McLachlan finished 11th in the long jump while Murray took 14th in the 800m to become Loyola's first United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Americans since Leigh Anne Renk in 1992.

"I could not be prouder of our guys," said head coach Randy Hasenbank. "Neither of them [are] happy with how the meet went tonight but they are in agreement that the experience they gained this week can only help them down the road. It is a terrific feat for Loyola track and field to get two All-Americans and I look forward to the program getting stronger and stronger as we move into the outdoor season."

McLachlan opened the meet for the Ramblers in the long jump, competing in the first of two flights. He posted a mark of 7.40m in his first jump before slightly improving upon that with a 7.42m leap in his second attempt. He fouled on his third and final leap of the opening round and had to settle for an 11th-place overall finish with Kendall Spencer of New Mexico winning the event with a jump of 8.01m.

Murray was in an enviable position, competing in the second of two heats in the 800m. The top three finishers in each heat plus the other two fastest times would advance to tomorrow's finals but it was not in the cards. Murray, who was one of just two non-BCS conference runners in the event, posted a time of 1:52.61 to finish 14th overall. Arizona State's Mason McHenry posted the fastest qualifying time (1:47.87).

-- release courtesy of Leo Krause at Loyola University