Pilling, Rose fall short of All-American status at nationals

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Updated: 11:15 a.m. Friday

Two members of the Central Michigan track and field team came up empty Wednesday in their quest to become All-Americans.

Senior Greg Pilling completed his college career with a 10th place finish in the discus throw at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore., with a toss of 178 feet, 8 inches.

“We wished for more for Greg, but he threw the best he could under the conditions,” said track and field director Willie Randolph.

Pilling started the competition with a throw of 175 feet, 9 inches before tossing his high score. He committed a foul in his third attempt.

Freshman Alex Rose didn’t end up far behind, placing 13th with a toss of 177 feet, 2 inches. He posted throws of 173-4 and 176-8 before hitting his high mark.

“For Alex, most importantly coming in as a freshman, to be as calm and focus as he was and take 13th, that was very exciting for him,” Randolph said. “We’re looking forward to his bright future.”

Rose will move on to the USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships June 23-27 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Pilling caps off a career at CMU in which he earned All-American status in 2009 and a pair of Mid-American Conference championships. He also holds the school record in the discus throw at 197 feet, 2 inches.

“You can go on and on and talk about Greg’s body of work,” Randolph said. “He’s been very consistent within his work ethic and leadership roles on the team. I don’t think Alex would have been where he was at – as calm and focused at the national meet – without the mentorship of a person like Greg.

“And I don’t think Greg would have been able to get back as far as where he was at without an Alex pushing him in practice.”