FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – SIUE track and field returned some positive results in day one of the NCAA Division I West Preliminaries at John McDonnell Track.
"The athletes are composed and competing well," said SIUE Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "Getting through their respective next round is the focus."
Four SIUE student-athletes were in action Thursday. La'Derrick Ward, Julian Harvey, Braxton Klavins, and Jessica Oranika competed.
Ward, who came into the meet ranked No. 1 in the nation in the long jump, placed fifth in the preliminary round with a leap of 25 feet, 0.75 inches. Raymond Higgs, of host Arkansas, turned in the best leap of 25-6.
Harvey, an SIUE freshman, finished 43rd in the long jump. His best jump was 22-8.
As one of the top 12 finishers, Ward will advance to the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, June 11-14.
"The coaches have done a great job preparing the athletes," said McAllister.
Klavins finished third in the fourth of six heats and earned an automatic slot in Friday's 400 –meter semifinals. His time of 46.93 seconds was the 20th-fastest time.
Oranika set a new school record in the 400-meter dash in 53.51. The broke the record of 54.15 set by former Cougar and current coach Deserea (Brown) Howard.
Oranika advanced to Saturday's semifinals with the 23rd fastest time. She was fifth in the second of six heats and was one of six runners to advance based on her time rather than the place in her heat.
Klavins and Oranika will be aiming to be among the top 12 in their respective events to further qualify for the national championships.
"The athletes are making history and putting SIUE on the map," McAllister said.
Competition continues Friday and Saturday. Below is a list of times and events for SIUE student-athletes competing Friday.
Friday, May 30
5:00 p.m. – Jatavia Wright (Women - Triple Jump)
5:00 p.m. – Julian Harvey (Men – High Jump)
5:30 p.m. – LaDonna Caston (Women 100 Meter Hurdles Prelims)
6:00 p.m. – Braxton Klavins (Men 400 Meter Dash Semis)
6:15 p.m. – Jessica Oranika (Women 400 Meter Dash Semis)
8:00 p.m. – Braxton Klavins (Men 200 Meter Dash Prelims)
