USU Track & Field Qualifies Nine for 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships

Utah State University men and women's track and field teams qualified nine athletes in 13 events to compete in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships to be held at the Mike A. Myers Track & Soccer Stadium in Austin, Texas, Thursday through Friday, May 24-26.

Representing USU in the first round is senior distance runner Daniel Howell in the 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m, along with fellow seniors Sonia Grabowska in the pole vault and Lindsey Spencer in the hammer and discus. Freshman sprinter Nic Bowens also qualified in the 100m and 200m, while fellow freshman Devin Wright will compete in the javelin.

Sophomore thrower Bryce Hall qualified in both the discus and hammer events as did sophomore hurdler AJ Boully in the 400m hurdles. Junior sprinter Bailee Whitworth rounded out those representing the Aggies, competing in the 200m. Senior Katelyn Heiner qualified in the 400m but due to class scheduling conflicts will not be able to compete.

"We are excited to get as many athletes into the first round as we did and we are excited to see what they can do," said veteran Utah State head coach Gregg Gensel. "They have all had solid marks all season and we look forward to seeing them take their talents to the next level, while competing with some of the best competition in the nation. For the seniors, this is a great way to leave a mark on their legacy here at USU and for our underclassmen, this goes to show how hard they have worked to get to this point. This has been a great year to be an Aggie and we look to finish the year off with a great showing at the NCAA level."

Read more about the USU Track and Field team members who qualified for the first round competition is a full story at the USU Athletics website.

Contact: Travis Hansen, (435) 797-8584