The junior from Jena, Germany, finished the first four disciplines with a school-record 3,387 points, 50 more than her Western Athletic Conference Championship pace. SMU's Gaelle Niare leads with 3,690 points. Defending champion Jacquelyn Johnson of Arizona State is fourth with 3,557 points.

Washington State's Diana Pickler, the top-ranked heptathlete in this year's field, was disqualified after a lane violation in the 200 meters.

Wichmann finished 17th here last year. She and the 25 other heptathletes compete in the final three events today — long jump, javelin and 800 meters. Senior teammate Novelle Murray is also competing for the school's first national track championship since 1984 after qualifying for the final 12 in discus.

In the opening 100-meter hurdles today, Wichmann clocked a career-best 14.48 seconds, good for 20th place and 912 points. The next event was the high jump and Wichmann cleared 5-8.75 (1.75m) to finish in a tie for eighth, for 916 points.

In the shot put, Wichmann posted the day's second-best throw, heaving 44-5.5 (13.55m) for 764 points, moving her up six spots to sixth. She finished with another lifetime best of 26.03 seconds in the 200 meters.

"She looked really good today with PRs in both the 100 hurdles and 200, two of her weaker events," head coach Carmyn James said. "She put together a record-setting performance after day one and is looking good, feeling good, and excited about tomorrow."