Day One a Success at NCAA West Preliminary

AUSTIN -- Four Cougars advancing to the quarterfinals in the 800 meters highlighted day one for the BYU women at the NCAA Track and Field West Preliminary on Thursday. Competition resumes on Friday with several athletes looking to make their mark.

“Today went well,” women’s head coach Craig Poole said. “It’s very tough competition with the best athletes in the west here. Kari did very well in the pole vault to qualify for nationals in Eugene. Mindy ran well in the 100 meters and was able to advance. All four of our 800 meter runners did well and advanced. We’re proud of all our athletes. Friday is a big day with Mindy competing in three events and the 800 final. We have high hopes that several will make it to Eugene.”

Angela Wagner (1st), Nachelle Stewart (9th), Lacey Cramer (12th) and Nicole Clark (19th) were among the top 24 that will compete Friday for 12 spots to advance to the NCAA Championships. Mindy McClurkin also advanced to the quarterfinals in the 100 meters.

Kari Clark is the first member of the BYU women’s team to punch her ticket to nationals as she tied for the highest mark of the day in the pole vault.

Friday will be a busy day for McClurkin, who will compete in the 100 meter quarterfinals, the long jump and the 200 meter preliminaries. The four 800 meter qualifiers will compete on Friday for a top 12 spot to advance to the NCAA Championships.

Also competing Friday are Porshe Giddings in the 200 meters and Katy Andrews and Katie Bowen in the 3000 meter steeplechase.

See the list below for the athlete’s marks from Thursday. CLICK HERE for complete results.

Rank  Name                Event           Mark
 26   Alyssa Christensen  400m hurdles    1:00.36
  4   Kari Clark*         Pole Vault      4.20mq     13-09.25
 26   Katie Palmer-Cox    1500m           4:26.80
 35   Candace Eddy        1500m           4:32.60
 46   Sarah Edwards       1500m           4:40.60
 20   Mindy McClurkin@    100m            11.75q 
 38   Porshe Giddings     100m            12.03
 27   Natalie Stewart     400m            54.54
  1   Angela Wagner@      800m            2:05.58Q
  9   Nachelle Stewart@   800m            2:07.26Q
 12   Lacey Cramer@       800m            2:08.31Q
 19   Nicole Clark@       800m            2:07.62q
 15   Allyson Wardell     Javelin         47.06m     154-05
 39   Sarah Lancaster     Javelin         39.78m     130-06
*Qualified for NCAA National Championships in Eugene, Ore.
@Advanced to final 24 at West Preliminary