LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Junior Pierre Attiogbe is headed to Eugene.

Competing in the NCAA Division I East First Round at the University of Kentucky on Friday evening, Attiogbe secured the first NCAA Outdoor Championships berth of his career with a 10th-place overall finish (third in his heat with a big Q time) in the men's 5,000-meter quarterfinal. His time of 13:50.81 placed him among the top 12 finishers in the event, earning a spot at the national meet in Eugene, Oregon in June.

Attiogbe navigated a tactical race that featured a measured opening pace before accelerating over the closing laps. Remaining patient throughout the early stages, the junior stayed attached to the lead pack before responding to moves as the pace intensified and the field began to separate.

"Pierre ran a really composed and confident race," assistant coach Mike Henderson said. "We expected it to be a little slow early, and he positioned himself great to just cover moves and stay relaxed as the race unfolded. When it picked up he reacted without panicking. From there he stayed patient as the lead group thinned out and he was able to cruise in with his qualifier. We are all very excited for him to be joining Avery and have both of them compete in Eugene for the first time in their careers."

Attiogbe becomes the second Cornell athlete to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships this week, joining junior pole vaulter Avery Hilliard, who earned her first career trip to Eugene on Thursday.

Cornell concludes competition at the NCAA East First Round on Saturday. Junior Anika Sukumar will represent the Big Red in the women's triple jump beginning at 6 p.m. ET.