VIDEO: Tanner Stepp Interview
Stepp becomes the first track and field athlete to earn a spot in the outdoor national championships since Amy Cate made it in back-to-back years in 2004 and 2005.
The freshman from Jefferson City, Tenn. seeded 13th for the event with a jump of 2.12 meters.
"To earn a trip to the NCAA championship requires a special athlete," Carson-Newman head track and field coach David Needs said. "We are fortunate that we had several athletes qualify in five events. With a selection process that only takes between 16 and 20, it is a blessing to have Tanner appear for a championship in both the indoor and outdoor season.
"He will be in elite company in Allendale. But Tanner is up to the task of not just appearing at the championship, but going there to win."
An all-region honoree in the high jump during outdoor season, Stepp earned All-America honors in the discipline during indoor.
With his six-feet, nine-inch leap, Stepp was able to earn a spot on the podium and become the first Carson-Newman track and field All-American under Needs.
For more updates on Stepp's trek to the Wolverine State, check cneagles.com and follow Carson-Newman on Twitter at @cnathletics.