EUGENE, Ore. – University of South Alabama track and field student-athlete junior Jan-Louw Kotze earned All-America honorable mention accolades in the men's discus at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field on Friday.

On the second of three attempts, Kotze threw his best distance of 54.96m to finish in 20th place. For the South Alabama's men's program, Kotze becomes the fifth member to obtain All-America honors.

"The outcome wasn't what he wanted, but he had a really good season with many accomplishments," South Alabama head coach Paul Brueske. "He will have another opportunity to return."

Kotze's appearance at the national championships is his first in three seasons. Along with fellow junior Renaldo Frechou — who earned first-team All-America honors in the men's hammer throw Wednesday — Kotze set a school and Sun Belt Conference record distance of 59.72m on the final day of the 2015 league championships last month.   

"He is a very dedicated and hardworking young man," Brueske added. "He has contributed greatly to our program at South Alabama, both athletically and academically."

Sophomore Kaitlyn Beans, the last of three Jaguars to qualify for the NCAA Championships, will take part in the women's triple jump on Saturday at 4 p.m. (CDT).

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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