GREENSBORO – University of South Florida junior Kevin Bell earned a spot in the long jump finals at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Thursday as he finished ninth in the prelims to punch his ticket to Eugene in June. The NCAA East Preliminary Rounds are taking place on the campus of North Carolina A&T and run through Saturday.
Bell posted a mark of 24-3.75 (7.41m) on his first attempt to earn a spot at the national championship meet which will take place at historic Hayward Field, June 5-8. To advance to Eugene, student-athletes have to finish in the top 12 of the prelims at their respective east or west sites.
Seniors Neaman Wise and Monique Williams also competed in the long jump but just missed finishing in the top 12 as they both posted a 16th-place effort with leaps of 23-3.75 (7.23m) and 19-9.75 (6.04m), respectively.
Also competing at the east preliminary rounds was Drew Volz who finished 27th in the pole vault (16-6.75/5.05m), Aireonna Bailey who clocked an 11.70 in the 100m for 34th, Rachael James in the 400m (55.03; 40th), Paul Barrett in the 400m hurdles (57.18; 46th), Natasha Stewart in the long jump (18-1/5.51m; 45th) and Yasmin Smith in the 1,500m (4:40.50; 47th).
Action continues for the Bulls on Friday with Bailey in the 200m first round and Courtney Anderson in the high jump.
USF Results (q-advanced to next round)
Men's Long Jump prelims
9. Kevin Bell, 24-3.75 (7.41m)q
16. Neaman Wise, 23-8.75 (7.23m) (2.7w)
Women's Long Jump prelims
16. Monique Williams, 19-9.75 (6.04m) (2.5w)
45. Natasha Stewart, 18-1 (5.51m)
Men's Pole Vault
T18. Drew Volz, 16-6.75 (5.05m)
Women's 100m prelims
34. Aireonna Bailey, 11.70 (2.0w)
Women's 400m prelims
40. Rachael James, 55.03
Women's 1,500m prelims
47. Yasmin Smith, 4:40.50
Men's 400m Hurdles
46. Paul Barrett, 57.18
