FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Hanna Green lowered her own school record in the preliminary heats of the 800 while Thomas Curtin finished in eighth place in the men’s 5K, earning First Team All-America honors, to pace the Hokies on the first day of the 2015 NCAA DI Track & Field Championships.
Green’s time of 2:03.18 bested her previous school record of 2:03.43 set at the ACC Championships earlier this season. Green finished in second in her heat, automatically qualifying her for tomorrow’s final, giving her the opportunity to compete for a national title tomorrow evening.
Curtin posted an eighth place finish in the men’s 5K with a time of 13:57.87. Curtin dropped out of the top eight with a few laps remaining, but used a kick at the end to earn a point for the Hokies.
Patrick Joseph, competing in the men’s one-mile race, finished in 15th place overall with a time of 4:07.97. Joseph failed to qualify for tomorrow’s final, but walks away with Second Team All-America honors.
Competing in the women’s 800 for Tech, Amanda Smith finished in fourteenth place overall crossing the finish line with a time of 2:08.67. Smith will not be racing in tomorrow’s final but earned Second Team All-America honors for her efforts.
In the men’s distance medley relay, an unfortunate fall early on in the first leg proved to be the difference as the Hokies attempt to make up lost ground fell just short. The team of Juan Campos, Prince Owusu, Grant Pollock and Neil Gourley finished in 11th place overall with a time of 9:53.98, earning Second Team All-America honors.
In the field, Tomas Kruzliak posted a 14th place finish in the men’s weight throw with a mark of 66’10” (20.39m). Kruzliak earned Second Team All-America honors at the competition.
Chris Uhle, competing in the men’s pole vault, was unable to hit the opening height in the men’s pole vault.
Tech will be back in action as Hanna Green (800m), Thomas Curtin (3000) and Manuel Ziegler (triple jump) continue their quest for a national title.
Tech’s Schedule of Events for Saturday
Men’s Triple Jump - Manuel Ziegler - 6 p.m.
Women’s 800 - Hanna Green - 7:20 p.m.
Men’s 3000 - Thomas Curtin - 8:15 p.m.
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