Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
NCAA Championships
Three Advance at NCAA Indoor Championships
March 09, 2012 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
March 9, 2012
NAMPA, Idaho. – Two Oklahoma State track and field athletes advanced to the finals during the first day of competition at the NCAA Indoor Championships hosted by Boise State at the Jackson Indoor Track.
Sophomore Natalja Piliusina finished third in the preliminary round of the women's 800 meter race, posting a time of 2:04.68 to move on to the final race on Saturday.
Cowboy junior Raul Botezan also advanced, placing second in the mile with a time of 4:03.87. Sophomore Kirubel Erassa ran the mile as well, clocking a 4:09.65 to place 14th. He advanced to the final because he was fouled when he was illegally knocked off the track.
In the 5,000 meter finals, a pair of Cowboys fell just short of scoring. Sophomore Shadrack Kipchirchir placed ninth after running a 13:54.24, while junior Girma Mecheso came in 10th, posting a time of 13:57.28.
OSU will wrap up the national meet tomorrow with Botezan competing in the one mile final at 7:15 p.m., Piliusina running the 800 meter final at 8:45 p.m. and junior Tom Farrell running the 3,000 meter final at 8:55 p.m.
NCAA Indoor Championships
March 9, 2012 | Nampa, Idaho | Jackson Indoor Track
Women's 800 Meter Run (Prelims)
3. Natalja Piliusina – 2:04.68
Men's 1 Mile Run (Prelims)
2. Raul Botezan – 4:03.87
14. Kirubel Erassa – 4:09.65
Men's 5,000 Meter Run
9. Shadrack Kipchirchir – 13:54.24
10. Girma Mecheso – 13:57.28
