Ten more Cougars punch tickets to nationals in day two of West Prelims

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AUSTIN, Texas — Ten additional BYU track and field athletes punched their tickets to the NCAA Championships in the second day of competition at the 2017 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field West Preliminary on Friday.

“We’re really pleased with how everyone came out and did their very best today,” BYU head coach Ed Eyestone said. “In many cases, their best allowed them to punch the ticket to Eugene.”

In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, four Cougars advanced to nationals from both the men’s and women’s sides. Of BYU's five men, the most of any school, three qualified. Daniel Carney finished in fifth (8:50.96), Jacob Heslington in eighth (8:52.09) and Mitchell Briggs in 11th (8:55.72). Kristi Rush-Briggs ran it in 10:18.39 and finished in ninth.

"Kristi ran a really strong race and had a great finish," Eyestone said. "Late in the race, she was out of the top-three but she got on her horse and rode it home to secure the second-place autoqualifying spot."

Tatenda Tsumba ran the 100m in 10.16 seconds for ninth place while Zachary Stetler qualified in the shot put with a throw of 18.20m/59-8.5 for 10th place. 

Korey Smith and Max Scheible punched their tickets in the 400m-hurdle as well. Smith recorded a 50.69 while Scheible clocked in a personal-best 50.77 seconds. 

"We are really happy with our 400-meter crew," Eyestone said. "They knew they had to scrap for every tenth of a second they could." 

Shea Collinsworth advanced to nationals in the 800m with a 2:05.09. Andrea Stapleton finished fifth overall in the high jump after a jump of 1.79m/ 5-10.5.

A total of 13 BYU track and field athletes have qualified for the NCAA Championships so far. Jackson Walker automatically qualified for nationals in the decathlon after earning 7,483 points in BYU’s Last Chance Meet May 12-13.

The West Preliminary concludes tomorrow as BYU athletes compete in the women’s 1500m and triple jump, as well as the men’s 200m, 1500m, 5000m, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, discus and triple jump. NCAA Championships will then be held June 7 through 10 in Eugene, Oregon.

Links of Note:

• Day One Recap
• Men’s heats sheets and athlete bib numbers
• Women’s heats sheets and athlete bib numbers
• Live results
• Live stream
• BYU Track and Field Twitter account (@BYUTFXC)- follow for meet updates and additional information  

Friday's Results: