Four Advance to Quaterfinals at NCAA Regional

Photo by: Cheryl Treworgy/PrettySporty

5/26/2016 8:39:00 PM | Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, Track & Field/Cross Country

Larri qualifies in two events

By: @MTAthletics

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Following the first day of competition at the NCAA East Regional, five Blue Raiders advanced to the quaterfinal round at Hodges Stadium and are slated to compete once more in Jacksonville.

"I am satisfied and they did really good" said head coach Dean Hayes. "The wind was harsh on the first day, but we were able to compete and qualify."

Sampson Laari, a newcomer to the Blue Raider program in 2015-16, registered the best performance of the day, qualifying for the quarterfinals in two events.

Laari opened the day in the 1,500 meter, finishing fifth in a personal-best 3:43.34 time. The Kumasi, Ghana native also advanced to the next round in the 800 meter, and finished sixth overall and third in his heat in another personal-best performance, finishing in 1:47.93.

"Laari is really competitive and tough mentally," said Hayes. "He has done a great job coming into this program and doing a great job."

Eliud Rutto, the 2016 NCAA Indoor Championships runner-up in the 800 meter, finished 17th overall in the 800 meter and first in the fifth heat. Rutto raced to the top time in the fifth heat, clinching his spot in the quarterfinals in 1:48.52.

Atsu Nyamadi, who has been selected to compete in the NCAA Championship in the decathlon, competed in the long jump. Nyamadi registered a leap of 6.93 meters (22-9), finishing 27th.

"We got what we came for and we are excited about what we did today," Hayes stated. "We had a good day and are looking forward to tomorrow."

For the Blue Raider women's squad, the 800 meter was again a highlight for Middle Tennessee.

Freshman Susan Aneno and junior Agnes Abu each qualified for the next round at the NCAA Regional.

Aneno gained an automatic qualifier spot in the fifth heat of the 800, finishing third in a personal-best 2:05.24. Abu, the 2016 C-USA Outdoor Championship 800 meter champion, finished fourth in her heat, but recorded the 12th fastest time overall.

In the women's long jump, three Blue Raiders competed with Elizabeth Dadzie securing the top spot for Middle Tennessee. Dadzie registered a leap of 6.04m meters (19-9.75) for 19th, while Qetuwrah Abdullah-Muhammad finished 27th with a jump of 5.92 meters (19.5.25). India Hammond was the final Blue Raider, finishing 39th with a jump of 5.69 meters (18-8).

"We have John (Ampomah) throwing and a pretty good chance of getting in the NCAA in the steeplechase tomorrow," Hayes said. "It will be fun to see what all of our kids can do."

The Blue Raiders are scheduled to continue competition at the NCAA East Regional Friday with the women's high jump and 100-meter hurdles at 5 p.m.

Men's Results
Long Jump
47. Atsu Nyamadi (6.93m/22-9)

1,500 Meter
5. Sampson Laari (3:43.34)

800 Meter
6. Sampson Laari (1:47.93)
17. Eliud Rutto (1:48.52)

Women's Results
Long Jump
19. Elizabeth Dadzie (6.04m/19-9.75)
27. Qetuwrah Abdullah-Muhammad (5.92m/19-5.25)
39. India Hammond (5.69m/18-8)

800 Meter
9. Susan Aneno (2:05.24)
12. Agnes Abu (2:05.64)