Women's Track & Field | 5/22/2015 9:58:00 PM

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- Wayne State University junior Chelsea Johnson (Oxford, Mich.) not only broke the school record in the 3,000m steeplechase at Friday nights NCAA Championship finals in the event, she also became the first runner in the three-year history of women's track at WSU to finish in the top five at the national championships.

Johnson, who was seeded fourth after her Thursday prelim time of 10:32.73, shaved seven seconds off that time in breaking her own school record of 10:26.40 set at last month's GLIAC Championship, by recording a fifth-place time of 10:25.23.

"What a great achievement!," exclaimed head coach Rick Cummins.  "She (Johnson) drove our cross country season all year and had her only so-so race at the NCAA Championships.  She had some physical issues that prevented her from being her best that day.  She was tough and fought to a solid finish to help her team place sixth (best finish in school history).

"She qualified for indoor track nationals but didn't believe she belonged with the elites going in.  At that meet she started to believe that she was legit," added Cummins.

"This is a such a great achievement," remarked Cummins.  "She earned this award.  It is very satisfying."

A year ago, Jen Rock became the first outdoor track All-American in school history by placing sixth in the 10k.

Wayne State heads into the final day of competition tied for 25th with four points.

Johnson and classmate Kayla Balfour (St. Clair, Mich.) are both slated to compete in Saturday's 5k timed finals.  Sophomore thrower Elizabeth Herriman (Adrian, Mich. / Sand Creek) will become the first thrower in WSU program history to compete in the NCAA Championships on Saturday morning when she participates in the javelin.