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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Brad Johnson, Hanna Green, Marek Barta and Stuart Robertson all earned bids to compete at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon after quality performances in their respective events at the NCAA East Regional hosted by the University of North Florida on Friday evening.

Johnson posted a career best in the men’s pole vault clearing a height of 17’2.75” (5.25m). Johnson finished in seventh place based on misses. After the 12 qualifiers for Eugene were determined all competitors stopped competing leaving the highest height hit the same as Johnson’s.

Green cruised to a win and an automatic qualifying spot for nationals in the first heat of the women’s 800-meter race with a time of 2:03.85 placing her sixth overall.

Barta was out of contention when results were posted after a fouled third throw. After a successful protest, Barta’s third throw was made fair and his mark of 188’5” (57.42m) was good for an 11th place finish and a berth to Eugene.

Although Robertson competed in the second heat of the 3000-meter steeplechase, he had to wait until the final race to know his fate. As he did not finish in the top three of his heat, but posted a quality time, Robertson held one of those coveted qualifier spots going into the final race. Robertson’s time of 8:43.19 was just enough to earn him 12th place and the final spot to Eugene.

The Hokies will be back in action tomorrow and will be competing in the following events: women’s 1500, men’s 1500, women’s 5000, men’s 5000 and the women’s high jump. Live results will be available.

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