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*(Nick Karen - photo courtesy USU)*Press Release
EUGENE, Ore. -- Utah State senior Nick Karren hurdled his way and junior Steve Strickland steeplechased his way to the NCAA National Championships Saturday at the NCAA West Regionals, hosted by the University of Oregon at historic Hayward Field.
"I can't say enough good things about Nick and Steve, they're both really great runners and great all-around kids," USU veteran head coach Gregg Gensel said. "They both work so hard at everything and I'm elated for them that their hard work and dedication is rewarded with a trip to the NCAA National Championships."
Strickland earned his trip to the NCAA National Championships by finishing second in the 3,000m steeplechase in an 8:53.05 clocking, five and a half seconds behind the winning time of 8:47.98 by BYU's Richard Nelson. Strickland's time is 11 seconds behind his school record time of 8:42.71, run on May 1 at the Ohio State Jesse Owens Track Classic.
"Steve's goal coming here was to qualify for Nationals and win the event, he came close to winning it but second gets him to nationals and we're excited for him running so well," Gensel said.
Karren finished the 400m hurdles in 50.84, collecting third-place which also qualifies him for the NCAA National Championships. Karren's time is his second-fastest in his career. His top time is 50.73 which he set March 20 in Tucson, Ariz. at the Willie Williams invitational.
"Nick knew he really had to run today. He was in lane three which is always a tough lane no matter what the competition, especially in a regional final. He just went after it with everything and ran a great race," Gensel said.
For the USU women, freshman Spela Hus tabbed ninth in the shot put with a distance of 47-06.25 (14.48m). Hus' distance was her third best this season with her top mark being 48-05.25 (14.76m) which she set in the first meet of the season on March 20 in Tucson, Ariz. at the Willie Williams invitational.
Fellow freshman Ruth Hilton ran the 3,000 steeplechase in 11:22.36, tabbing 26th in the event.
Karren and Strickland will be joined by Aggie senior high jumper Casey Parker give the Aggies three athletes bound for the NCAA National Championships.
"I'm really excited that we're sending three to Nationals. As an NCAA representative I have to go for meetings, so it's even better to be able to have three athletes there with me," Gensel said.
The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships are Wednesday-Saturday, June 10-13 at Fayetteville, Ark., hosted by the University of Arkansas.
UTAH STATE TRACK & FIELD NCAA WEST REGIONALS -- Day 2WOMEN
- 3000m Steeplechase - 26. Ruth Hilton, 11:22.36
- Shot Put - 9. Spela Hus, 47-06.25 (14.48m)
MEN
- 400m H - 3. Nick Karren, 50.84
- 3000m Steeplechase - 2. Steve Strickland, 8:53.05
Courtesy USU Athletic Department
