Updated Schedule (05/28/16)

LAWRENCE, Kan. – It was an eventful day for the Northern Arizona University track and field athletes at the NCAA West Preliminary Round Friday, as the weather cooperated during the morning events and held up just long enough in the afternoon for three Lumberjacks to punch their tickets for NCAA nationals in two weeks.  

"The three that were ranked in the top-12 [in their respective events] have made it through to nationals and others have competed really well," said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Eric Heins. "It can be a rough weekend if you're not one of those athletes ranked in the top-12 in your event, but most of our athletes have stepped up to the challenge."

With Thursday's action being completely washed out due to the terrible weather conditions, the west region's schedule of events saw some major shakeup on Friday. NAU's Futsum Zienasellassie, however, was not fazed in the least by the change to the men's 10,000m start time—originally slotted for 9:45 CT last night—earning a second-consecutive trip to nationals (third overall) with a second-place, 29:50.77 time.

The No. 1 ranked athlete nationally in the men's 10K coming into today, Zienasellassie ran with the middle of the field briefly—the first 800m or so—before sliding up toward the front of the pack shortly after. From there, the Indianapolis native never slowed or wavered from his position, contending for first place the entire race. In fact, the only athlete to best Zienasellassie Friday was defending national champion in the men's 10K, Oregon's Edward Cheserek.

"Zienasellassie is one of those top guys and he was ready to go today," said Heins. "Getting in the top-12 should not have been too much of a strain on him, so he ran the 10K as best as he could to conserve as much energy for the 5000m race tomorrow and for Eugene."

NAU's Caleb Hoover also earned a nod to nationals, the second of his career, in the men's 3000m steeplechase this afternoon, running an 8:44.05 time for a third-place finish in the first heat. Hoover, who was named a CoSIDA Academic All-District for the second-straight season yesterday, came into today's 3000m steeple race as the No. 1 ranked athlete in the region and No. 3 nationally.

The third and final heat of the men's 3000m steeple was delayed because of lightning, so the final results for that event are unknown at this point in time. But because Hoover scored a top-three time in his heat, he qualifies for nationals regardless of what any athlete does in that third heat. 

"Hoover was kind of the same as Zienasellassie, meaning that we wanted him to get into that top-three and conserve his energy while working on his barriers," said Heins. "I thought he ran a great race."

Adam Keenan also punched a ticket to Eugene, Ore., today, and he didn't even have to pick up the hammer. The Lumberjack senior from Canada was the only NAU athlete to record an official mark yesterday, tossing a 230-1 (70.13m) bomb into the wet fields of Rock Chalk Park. The throw was just a mere centimeter off his career-best—which he set at Big Sky Outdoor Conference Championships two weekends ago—and good enough for second-place among the regional field.

"I love watching Keenan compete because he's very confident and doesn't really get shaken up or intimidated by anything, and I think this weekend really proved that," said Heins. "Hopefully his confidence can just continue going forward into Eugene."

While those three athletes were the only Lumberjacks to book a ticket to nationals this morning/afternoon, there were certainly others that came close, like Cory Glines in the men's 10K. Glines floated toward the bottom of the lead pack/top of the second group for nearly the entire event, making a strong push at the end for a 14th-place finish (30:05.15)—three seconds outside of a top-12 finish.

Tyler Day and Matt Baxter participated in the men's 10K as well, with Day coming in behind Glines in 15th (30:07.16) and Baxter crossing the finish line in 21st (30:13.60).

Other competitors for the Lumberjacks Friday included Melanie Townsend and Paige Gilchrist in the women's 10K run, Kossi Tchenawou and Isiah Kennedy in the men's 100m, Nicole Fotinos in the women's 400m dash, Ashley Taylor in the 400m hurdles, Tim Cummings in the men's 3000m steeple and Tiana Hatler-Stefick in the women's hammer throw.

The third and final day of NCAA West Prelims will resume tomorrow morning at 10 a.m CT with the women's 4x100m relay. Barring any further changes, here are the following Lumberjacks that will be competing during Saturday's regional action: Micael Ljungberg (men's discus – 9 a.m.); Tchenawou, Kennedy, James Fisher and DeShon Norris (men's 4x100m relay – 10:15 a.m.); Kylie Goo (women's 1500m – 10:30 a.m.); Andy Trouard (men's 1500m – 11 a.m.); Fisher (men's 200m – 12:55 p.m.); Townsend (women's 5000m – 1:20 p.m.); Zienasellassie, Hoover, Glines and Nathan Weitz (men's 5000m – 2 p.m.); and Shawn Collins (men's shot put – 3 p.m.). 

As always, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@NAUTrackFieldXC) for constant updates throughout the day.