Date Posted: 7/21/2008

TOLUCA, Mexico - Junior Natasha Harvey temporarily put away her Dolphin uniform for Team USA colors and posted a 21-6 1/4 (6.56m) in the long jump to finish second at the North American Central American and Caribbean under 23 championships on Sunday afternoon in Toluca, Mexico.

"Natasha had a great series with two jumps over 21-4 (6.50m)," said JU head coach Ron Grigg. "It has been a very long season and to still be jumping near her best this time of year is a testament to her work ethic and competitiveness. She was honored to wear the Team USA uniform and compete so well. It is a nice way for her to end this very successful season, and now she can take a well deserved rest."

Harvey opened the competition with a leap of 21-5 1/2 (6.54m). Her next high jump was at 20-7 3/4 (6.29m) before she produced another jump of 21 feet to take second. Harvey placed behind USA teammate Jeomi Maduka (Cornell University) who posted a 21-10 1/4 (6.66m).

Harvey wraps up a long and successful season after earning All-American honors in the long jump at the NCAA Outdoor and Indoor Championships. She took home "Most Outstanding Track Performer" honors at the Atlantic Sun Indoor and Outdoor Championships to help JU earn its third consecutive conference title sweep. She also competed in the Olympic trials in the long jump in Eugene, Ore.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is an 11-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

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