LEXINGTON, Ky. - Four Big Red men competed on day one of the NCAA Track and Field First Round. Brad Morell put on an outstanding performance to clinch an NCAA Championship berth in the hammer throw. Damian Hackett advanced in the 1500-meter dash, and will gear up for quarterfinals action on Friday. Shane Racey and Ryder King gave it their best efforts in the pole vault and 400-meter hurdles respectively, but fell short on advancing.

Brad Morell started the Big Red's day with a strong performance. He tossed a personal-best 66.95-meter hammer throw to put himself at the top of the standings with one flight of throws remaining. Morell's mark would hold up as he would finish in sixth-place to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships. Damian Hackett took third in his heat, finishing the 1500-meter run in 3:43.56 to qualify for the quarterfinals. Shane Racey earned a 5.22-meter pole vault in a strong effort, but fell short of qualifying for the next round with his 24th-place finish. Ryder King ran 52.75 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles, finishing fifth in his heat and 40th overall.

Next Up
The men's track and field team will return to action on Friday during day three of the NCAA East First Round.