News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
EUGENE – The Texas A&M track & field men’s team secured six finals spots on the opening day of the NCAA Championships Wednesday at Hayward Field.
Setting the tone for the Maroon & White on the opening day of competition was Ja’Qualon Scott in the 110m hurdles. The Houston, Texas, native finished second in his heat, crossing the line in 13.37 to secure automatic qualification for Friday’s finals. Later in the day Scott doubled down on finals spots, advancing ninth overall in the 400m hurdles with a personal-best time of 49.93.
Auhmad Robinson was the next Aggie to punch his ticket to Friday’s championship event, as he finished second in his heat and second overall in the men’s 400m. The junior ran the second-best outdoor time of his career, bringing it home in 45.00. Jevon O’Bryant finished 14th in the event, securing himself Second Team All-America honors with a time of 45.87.
The talented A&M 800m group continued the momentum with a 1-3 finish courtesy of Sam Whitmarsh and Kimar Farquharson. Whitmarsh paced the second heat with a time of 1:46.01 to advance as the top qualifier, while Farquharson was close behind in 1:46.32 moving on third overall. Caden Norris wrapped up the results, finishing 11th in the event with a time of 1:47.96 which was good for Second Team All-America honors.
Wrapping up the day on the track was the men’s 4x400m relay quartet of O’Bryant, Cutler Zamzow, Farquharson and Robinson. The group won their heat and qualified first overall to Friday’s final with a time of 3:01.17.
Sam Hankins battled through the opening flight of the men’s javelin, recording a throw of 71.77m/235-5 on the final attempt of his opening three throws. His mark held through the second flight allowing him three more attempts, however Hankins third attempt remained his best as he finished ninth to ensure Second Team All-America honors.
Up Next
The Aggies return to Hayward Field tomorrow for the second day of the NCAA Championships, where the women open their campaigns with the first event starting at 5:32 p.m.
To learn more about Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country, visit 12thMan.com and follow @aggietfxc.