Nebraska track and field began its NCAA journey on Wednesday at the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Fayetteville, Ark. with three tickets punched to the NCAA Championships. Individuals must place in the top 12 this week to earn their spot in Eugene, Ore.'s field.
Kevin Shubert won the men’s shot put in a personal-best 65-1 1/4 (19.84m) to secure his spot at nationals. Cade Moran placed 17th with a 59-10 ¼ (18.24m).
The Huskers went two-for-two in the men’s javelin, with Dash Sirmon launching a 244-5 (74.50m) to place fourth and Tyler Brown throwing 229-11 (70.09m) on his final throw to finish eighth. This will be Brown’s first NCAA Championship appearance. As a freshman, Sirmon wrapped up the NCAA Championships in 13th last season.
Sophomore Garrett Kaalund broke his own school record in the 200m, crossing the line at 20.47. That was the fifth-fastest time in the field and moves Kaalund on to the quarterfinals on Friday. Kavian Kerr closed in 41st with a 21.19.
In the 110m hurdles, Darius Luff qualified for Friday’s quarterfinal with a 13.30, the second-fastest time ran in the first round. Brithton Senior finished 28th with a time of 13.86.
In the men’s long jump, Kerr finished 19th with a distance of 24-10 (7.57m) and Micaylon Moore placed 36th with a 23-11 ¾ (7.31m). Henry Zimmerman threw 212-2 (64.68m) in the hammer throw to finish in 19th place.
Niko Schultz finished 35th in the 800m, crossing the line at 1:49.51.
The women will open competition tomorrow with field events starting at 8:30 a.m. (CT) and running events starting at 3 p.m. (CT) after moving up due to probable weather.
NCAA West Preliminary Round Meet Information
Dates: May 22-25
Location: Fayetteville, Ark. (John McDonnell Field)
Remaining Times (CT): Thursday - Field Events: 8:30 a.m. / Running Events: 3 p.m.; Friday - Field Events: 1 p.m. / Running Events: 5 p.m.; Saturday - Field Events: 1 p.m. / Running Events: 5 p.m.
Meet Schedule: Link
Watch: Thursday / Friday / Saturday
Live Results: Link