FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. ? Sophomore Mark Sturgis represented the Appalachian State University men’s track and field team, finishing 16th in the triple jump, Saturday at the NCAA Championships hosted by the University of Arkansas at the Randal Tyson Track Center.

Sturgis (Woodleaf, N.C.) recorded a best leap of 50-00.50 in this third and final jump of the competition to place 16th. The sophomore entered the championships tied with two other athletes for 15th in the field of 15 with a mark of 51-7.25, which he recorded at the Virginia Tech Challenge Feb. 17.

Sturgis was named the Southern Conference’s most outstanding field athlete this season after claiming both the triple jump and long jump crowns at the indoor conference championships.

The Mountaineers will open the outdoor track season March 17 as they head to Columbia, S.C. for the Weem Baskins Relays hosted by the University of South Carolina.