Four Hurricanes Qualify for Nationals During Day Two
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field team earned four spots in the NCAA Outdoor Championships during day two competition Friday evening at the 2016 NCAA East Preliminary.
The three-day event is being held on the University of North Florida campus.
“Today really went about as well as it could have,” said Director of Track and Field Amy Deem.
The Hurricanes shined in the field events, as seniors Alysha Newman and Dakota Dailey-Harris both qualified for the national meet in Eugene, Ore.
Newman tied for first in the women’s pole vault following a performance of 4.25 meters.
“Alysha has been here before, so she has some great experience in these NCAA meets,” Deem said. “She’s really focused right now. This is one of the longest she has had to wait to perform, but she handled it well both physically and emotionally.”
Dailey-Harris tied for seventh in the women’s high jump after she posted a leap of 1.80m.
“Dakota was truly one of the performers of the week,” Deem said. “After not being able to compete at the ACC Championships, to see her come out today and perform the way she did was just incredible.”
Junior Shakima Wimbley highlighted the running events for Miami as she won the 400-meter dash with a time of 51.26 and in the process earned a spot in the NCAA Championships.
Fellow junior Aiyanna Stiverne also punched her ticket to nationals, as she finished 12th with a time of 52.53. Stiverne’s 12th-place finish also clinched a spot in the NCAA national meet.
“Shakima really is in a good spot right now and she’s running with a lot of confidence,” Deem said. “Aiyanna qualifying for nationals was big and I am extremely pleased with her.”
Through two days, Miami has secured five spots in the national meet. Senior Precious Ogunleye earned a bid Thursday night in the women’s hammer throw.
The Hurricanes opened the day on a high note, as both junior Ebony Morrison and sophomore Stefani Kerrison each advanced to the quarterfinals in the women’s 100m hurdles.
Morrison won Heat 4 with a time of 13.12 seconds, while Kerrison’s time of 13.36 in Heat 1 is a personal-best and earned her a spot in the quarterfinals.
On the men’s side, Gian Piero Ragonesi posted a throw of 55.33 meters in the discus, while Jaalen Jones ran a time of 21.21 seconds in the 200m. Neither student-athlete advanced, but Ragonesi will also compete in the men’s shot put on Saturday.
“Tonight was a great night to compete,” Deem said. “The conditions were really great and I know the team really enjoyed the atmosphere. We’re looking forward to another big day tomorrow.”
Miami is back in action Saturday, beginning at 3 p.m. with the men’s triple jump. Live stats can be found on NCAA.com.
