Tabugbo, 4x100m Squad Punch Tickets to NCAA National ChampionshipsTabugbo, 4x100m Squad Punch Tickets to NCAA National Championships

Tabugbo, 4x100m Squad Punch Tickets to NCAA National Championships

by Alex Clough

JACKSONVILLE, Florida - The UCF track and field team qualified two athletes across a pair of events for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships Saturday night at the Jax Track at Hodges Stadium.

Big 12 champion Adaobi Tabugbo led the charge, holding it down in the 100m hurdles, along with running the first leg on the Knights' 4x100m relay squad, who secured their return to nationals after a one-year hiatus. 

It was a good week for the Knights at the NCAA Preliminary round. We have a 4x1 relay advancing and Adaobi in the 100H. This is a culmination of a great season of work. We look forward to our return to Hayward Field.

Dana BooneHead Coach

In the day's first event, Tabugbo, followed by Janiah Pulliam, I'Aisa Wilson and Jazmen Newberry, competed in a stacked second heat of the 4x100m relay. A strong start from the senior left room for Newberry to cruise into a ninth-overall finish.

The qualification stands as the fourth under Boone, as the new-look group will look to follow in the footsteps of the 2022 squad, which claimed First Team All-America honors.

One of just two schools this season and nine over the past five years to advance three athletes into the quarterfinals of the 100m hurdles, Tabugbo would go on to punch her ticket after placing seventh overall with an impressive 12.95.

Ese Awusa and Y'Vette Harris' strong campaigns came to a close in the event, finishing 21st and 24th, respectively. 

Competing in each of their second events of the day, Wilson (100m) and Pulliam (200m) concluded their seasons in their events, though both will be heading to Eugene with the relay squad.

The Big 12 title-sweeping 4x400m squad clocked a season-best 3:32.95 in the night cap to put a bow on their historic 2025 slate.