May 26, 2011
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By Pat Salvas
UCFAthletics.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (UCFAthletics.com) - On an overcast afternoon that saw a steady mist of rain throughout, several members of the UCF outdoor track & field team continued what has already been a memorable season with more solid showings at the NCAA East Preliminary Round Thursday. The meet, which continues through Saturday evening, is being held at Indiana's Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex.
"This was not the start we were looking for to this weekend, but I think that this type of adversity it is a good learning experience for these young women," head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert said. "I am pleased with how we ran in the 100 and the 400 hurdles, but I still think that we can improve on those events in tomorrow's heats as well. There is always room to improve and this weekend is no different. We are going to regroup and refocus for the rest of the weekend and continue to demonstrate the determination and desire that got us this far."
Competing in the first event since the conclusion of the Conference USA Championship last Sunday night at Rice's facility, Sandy Jean began the day for the Knights by finishing third in her heat of the 400-meter hurdles in 1:00:36, automatically qualifying for one of Friday's National Quarterfinal heats.
Like Jean, Coward also automatically qualified for Friday after finishing third in her heat in 59.56. Her time ranked 16th overall in the field, while Jean's time has her 18th.
Already the C-USA Champion in the 100 meters, freshman Aurieyall Scott made a statement in her first ever race at the NCAA Preliminary Round Thursday afternoon. Scott won her heat and placed second overall in the first round as she ran an 11.36, automatically qualifying for Friday night's national quarterfinals.
Joining Scott in Friday's quarterfinal will be Dominique Booker and Sheila Paul. Booker's time of 11.57 has her 10th after the first day of competition and helped her to second in her heat. Paul's 11.65 has her 16th in a field of 47 runners and was good for third in her heat. As both placed in the top three in their respective heats, they automatically qualify for Friday's quarterfinal, set to get underway at 6 p.m.
Lynne Layne also ran in the 100 meters, finishing 39th in 11.91.
The 400 meters saw freshman Afia Charles and senior Champelle Brown both represent the Knights. Brown finished 33rd in 55.91, while Charles was 43rd in 57.19. Neither will advance to the next round of competition.
The rainy and wet conditions may have played a role in the long jump competition Thursday afternoon. Sonnisha Williams, the C-USA Champion in the event, failed to advance as her jump of 19-6.25/5.95m placed her 21st. Jacquelyn Gilchrist also competed for the Knights, finishing 31st with a mark of 19-00.00/5.79m.
Friday will see the Knights compete in the finals of the 400-meter hurdles as well as the 100 meters. UCF will also take part in preliminary action of the 100-meter hurdles and the 200 meters with action slated for a 4:30 start.
UCF Track and Field
2011 NCAA East Preliminary Round - May 26, 2011
Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex - Bloomington, Ind.
Long Jump
21. Sonnisha Williams, 19-6.25/5.95m (+0.7)
31. Jacquelyn Gilchrist, 19-00.00/5.79M (-0.6)
400-Meter Hurdles
Preliminaries
16. Jackie Coward, 59.56Q
18. Sandy Jean, 1:00.36Q
100 Meters
Preliminaries
2. Aurieyall Scott, 11.36 (-0.4)Q
10. Dominique Booker, 11.57 (-0.3)Q
16. Sheila Paul, 11.65 (+1.0)Q
39. Lynne Layne, 11.91 (+1.0)
400 Meters
Preliminaries
33. Champelle Brown, 55.91
43. Afia Charles, 57.19
Key
Q - qualified automatically
q - qualified
m -meet record
! - Personal Record
# - Freshman Record
^ - School Record
w - wind aided