FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (5/29/14) – Arkansas State University's first day at the 2014 NCAA Division I West Region Preliminary Championships this Thursday (May 29) will go down in the books as a productive one with a national qualifier and two others advancing to quarterfinals in their respective events.
Freshman Roelf Pienaar earned a spot in the 2014 NCAA-I Championship field by earning fourth place in the men's long jump with a mark of 25-02.75 (7.69m). The top 12 finishers in each event at the West Prelims, which are being held at the University of Arkansas' John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville, Ark., automatically qualify for the national meet. Pienaar was tabbed the 2014 Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Men's Outstanding Outdoor Field Performer following his first-place showings in both the long jump and triple jump at the conference's outdoor championship meet, which took place May 9-11 in San Marcos, Texas.
The Red Wolves had three other athletes in action during Thursday's opening day as seniors Sharika Nelvis and Justin Whitfield raced in the first-round heats of the 100-meter dash while senior Kristina Aubert participated in the 10,000-meter run.
Both Nelvis and Whitfield qualified for this Friday's (May 30) quarterfinals in the 100-meter dash by clocking times among the 24 sprinters in their respective events to advance and set up a potential NCAA Championships appearance. Those individuals turning in the top three times from each of the six heats plus the next six times overall were able to move on for quarterfinal-round competition.
Nelvis, a two-time (2012-13) U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Outdoor Track All-America selection, posted an 11.65 time to take 14th place overall. The 2013-14 SBC Female Athlete of the Year and three-time (2012-14) SBC Women's Most Outstanding Outdoor Track Performer Award recipient is scheduled to step into the blocks this Friday at 6:45 p.m. (CT) in hopes of punching her ticket to Eugene, Ore., for the NCAA Championships to be held June 11-14 at the University of Oregon's historic Hayward Field.
Like Nelvis, Whitfield kept his national meet aspirations alive by crossing the finish line at 10.47 to end up in 18th place. Whitfield's next action will come this Friday with the men's 100-meter dash quarterfinals at 6:30 p.m. (CT).
In the women's 10,000 meters, Kristina Aubert was unable to overcome a prior injury suffered last week and despite leading midway through the long distance race was unable to finish. Despite the setback, Aubert will have another attempt to compete at nationals by running in the women's 5,000-meter semifinals this Saturday (May 31) at 8:45 p.m. (CT).
Regardless, Aubert has enjoyed a productive career at A-State which includes winning three individual running events (1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters) at the 2014 SBC Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
“Overall we had a good day one,” said A-State head coach Jim Patchell. “Roelf (Pienaar) made it through to Eugene (for nationals) while Sharika (Nelvis) and Justin (Whitfield) advanced to the next round tomorrow. Conditions didn't allow for great performances but this meet is about head-to-head competition and we did what was needed today.”
A-State continues West Region Preliminary action this Friday as seniors Chris Nicasio and Kashef Daniel compete in the hammer throw and high jump, respectively. Nicasio's event gets underway at 10 a.m. (CT) while Daniel will take part in the high jump beginning at 5 p.m. (CT). Sophomore Billy Ellis is set to make his prelim debut in the 110-meter hurdles at 5 p.m. (CT) and Sharika Nelvis begins her quest for a national champion honors in the 100-meter hurdles at 5:30 p.m. (CT).
Information pertaining to the 2014 NCAA-I West Preliminary Championships can be accessed by clicking on this link – 2014 NCAA West Regional Meet. Live results are available courtesy of Flash Results, Inc. and available at this link – 2014 NCAA West Region Prelims Results.
Those fans following the Arkansas State track and field team are encouraged to access both Twitter (@ASTATETRACK) and Facebook at www.facebook.com/AstateTrackandField for the latest news/updates.
