Cougars Hope to Make Most of Last Chance

PROVO -- Just a week after clinching the Mountain West Conference Indoor titles, the BYU men's and women's track teams have one more chance to gain and improve on NCAA Championship qualifying marks at the Last Chance Qualifier in Seattle on Saturday.

The meet provides athletes one final chance to make NCAA qualifying marks before the qualifying period closes on Sunday. With NCAA National Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 11-12, the Cougars are anxious to improve on Saturday.

"We hope to have some of our people move up the list or get automatic marks," BYU women's track coach Craig Poole said. "We've got a few people who are right on the bubble."

After enduring the mountain elevation effects of Colorado Springs during the conference championships, the Cougars will benefit from a third trip to Seattle this season.

"We should have some fast times this week," BYU men's track coach Mark Robison said. "We ran well last week, but with a positive change in elevation, we should see some good marks."

Generally, the NCAA takes the top 16 to 20 ranked athletes on each qualifying list. Currently, 17 Cougars are ranked in 13 different events. Only three of those athletes have earned automatic qualifying marks, guaranteeing them a spot to compete at nationals.

Senior Bryan Lindsay and Josh Rohatinsky both received automatic marks in the men's 3,000 meters, while Amy Menlove has received automatic marks in the long jump and pentathlon.

The Last Chance Qualifier becomes especially key for the following athletes hoping to compete in nationals. Their current NCAA rank follows in parenthesis.

Bryan Lindsay, Mile (11th)

Nathan Robison, Mile (26th)

Josh McAdams, Mile (41st)

Robison Pratt, Pole Vault (5th)

Trent Powell, Pole Vault (8th)

Rodrigo Mendes, Triple Jump (5th)

Niklas Arrhenius, Shot Put (13th)

Leif Arrhenius, Weight Throw (20th)

Heidi Magill, Mile (19th)

Julie Cameron, Mile (29th)

Laura Turner, 5,000 Meters (14th)

Chelsea Smith, 5,000 Meters (19th)

Amy Menlove, 60 Meter Hurdles (30th)

Lindsey Metcalf, High Jump (8th)

Kamila Rywelska, Triple Jump (6th)

Liis Berendsen, Pentathlon (16th)

Competition is set to begin at 9 a.m. with the women's weight throw. The meet is set to conclude following the men's 4x400 relay at 3:25 p.m.