Another four Hokies qualify for Eugene on Day 2 of NCAA East Preliminary Rounds

Two pole vaulters and one sprinter and mid-distance runner apiece advance to NCAAs in Tampa

May 25, 2018

Results

TAMPA, Fla. – Day 2 of the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds was another successful turnout by the Virginia Tech track and field teams, as four Hokies qualified for the national championships on Friday at the USF Track and Field Stadium.

Kicking off with the women’s pole vault in the morning, freshmen Lisa Gunnarsson and Rachel Baxter each punched their ticket to Eugene, Oregon, by clearing a height of 4.18 meters (13 feet, 8.5 inches). It will be the second time the pair competes at NCAAs, each earned All-America status in College Station, Texas, and the first at Hayward Field.

“Lisa and Rachel did a fantastic job,” pole vault coach Bob Phillips shared. “They were the only of the 48 vaulters today that didn't record a miss.

“They were there yesterday supporting their male counterparts as they qualified through and were determined to join them. I'm very proud to have all five vaulters heading to Eugene.”

After winning his heat on Thursday in the 400-meter hurdles, senior Greg Chiles rose to the occasion again by winning his heat in a school-record and personal-best time of 50.04 seconds. With the win, it marks the second straight season Chiles has qualified for Eugene.

"It was great seeing Greg win both of his heats in back-to-back days," sprints/hurdles coach Tim Vaught said. "He's been impressive his last few meets and really is hitting his stride in the 400 hurdles.

"I'm excited to see what he will do in Eugene in a couple weeks. I think we both know he can get in the 49-second range his next race."

Sophomore Laurie Barton earned a trip to the Beaver State, too, crossing the finish line in an outdoor personal-best time of 2:04.58 seconds to place fourth in her heat. Her time stood as the 10^th fastest in the 800-meter quarterfinals.

On the men’s side in the 800, freshman Bashir Mosavel-Lo clocked a PR as well, turning in a time of 1:48.66 to finish 14^th overall out of 24 competitors, just missing the cut to nationals by two spots.

The 3,000-meter steeplechase saw sophomore Fitsum Seyoum put together the second-best time of his career in the event, finishing 18^th overall with a time of 8:55.43.

Redshirt senior Lindsay Herra concluded her collegiate career, throwing a mark of 47.30 meters (155 feet, 2 inches) in the discus to miss the qualifying mark. Herra finished her career owning the second-best mark in school history in the discus.

“Obviously not the day we were hoping for,” throws coach Andrew Dubs stated. “But overall, I could not be more proud of Lindsay for what she has accomplished, all that she has been through and the overall person that she is.

"Lindsay is truly one of the most amazing individuals I have ever been around. I am lucky to have had this opportunity with her and am forever indebted to her for all that she has given and all that she stands for.”

Saturday’s slate will begin at 8:45 a.m. ET with the women’s hammer. FloTrack will provide live coverage for the third day in a row.

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