GREENSBORO, N.C. - Middle Tennessee qualified three of its four competitors on Friday for the NCAA Championships, as the Blue Raiders get set for tomorrow's finale at the NCAA East Regionals.
Emmanuel Tugumisirize was the first MT athlete to punch his ticket, as he hit a mark of 46.11 seconds in the 400-meter dash, qualifying by finishing second in his semifinal heat. His time was the second fastest of all competitors.
Eliud Rutto was the second Blue Raider to make the NCAAs, as his time of 1:49.55 in the 800-meter semifinals was first in his heat. Rutto broke the school record in last night's 800-meter quarterfinals.
Ann Dudley was one of 12 qualifiers in the women's high jump as she reached a height of 1.81 meters in the event. Dudley is a three-time All-American in the high jump (indoor and outdoor).
In the 200-meter dash preliminary rounds, Noah Akwu ran a time of 21.10 seconds, but just missed the top 24, finishing at No. 27 to close out his Blue Raider career.
Cordairo Golden will look to qualify for the NCAA Championships in tomorrow's men's triple jump, while Akwu, Rutto, Tugumisirize and Demetrius Shelton will represent MT in the men's 4x100 meter relay. Follow along with tomorrow's action here.
NCAA EAST REGIONAL RESULTS (MT ONLY)
Men's 400 Meter Dash
4Q. Emmanuel Tugumisirize (46.11)
Men's 800 Meter Dash
2Q. Eliud Rutto (1:49.55)
Men's 200 Meter Dash
27. Noah Akwu (21.10 / 0.7 wind)
Women's High Jump
12q. Ann Dudley (1.81m / 5-11.25)
