ADA, Ohio — It wasn't a school record-setting performance, but Ashley Dingels' (Gibbon, Minn.) showing in the high jump at the NCAA Division III national championships certainly was one for the books — the history books.

Dingels couldn't equal her national-qualifying — and school record-setting — leap of 5-7 when she bowed out at 5-1 1/4 to place ninth in last weekend's national championships at Ohio Northern University.

But she will always carry the distinction of becoming the first-ever Cardinal track and field athlete to make a national championship appearance.

Not bad, for a freshman.

"I thought Ashley competed very well," said SMU coach Paul Thornton. "She had a very positive experience and learned a great deal about herself as a competitor and got a better understanding of what it takes to be even more successful at this level of track and field.

"All in all, I thought it was a great experience for her."