Kipchirchir Punches Ticket To NCAA Championship

May 29, 2014 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track

May 29, 2014

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -

Oklahoma State's Shadrack Kipchirchir earned an automatic qualification to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 10,000 meters with a 10th-place finish at the NCAA West Preliminary Round, in Fayetteville, Ark., on Thursday.

Kipchirchir, who has the No. 1 10,000 meter time in the nation, ran a 29:37.79 to take 10th in the heat. The top 12 times earned spots in the NCAA final. Kirubel Erassa (29:43.39) finished 14th, just two spots from qualifying.

“Shadrack ran a very smart race,” OSU coach Dave Smith said. “He knew where he was with four or so laps to go, so he ran as easy as possible to qualify while getting ready for Saturday's 5k. He did very well and ran a smart race.”

John Teeters continued his recent tear, running the 100 meters in 10.14 for the third time this season. He took the top qualifying spot for tomorrow's semifinal, and is in position to earn his way to Eugene for the NCAA Championships.

“John Teeters is becoming Mr. Consistency,” Smith said. “Running 10.1 over and over again is incredible. That means he is ready to run faster. Diego [Flaquer] has done a great job with him. If he keeps going like this, he will be a factor at the national championships.”

In the men's 1,500 meters, Chad Noelle (3:43.09) earned an automatic qualification to Saturday's semifinal, where spots in the NCAA meet will be on the line, taking fourth in his heat. Matthew Fayers (3:43.96) took the very last qualifying spot and will also get a shot at moving on to Eugene for the national championships.

“Both Chad and Matthew ran good races,” Smith said. “Chad got boxed in at one point and was in a little trouble. We had nervous moments but it ended up being fine. Matthew was great as well. This was a big personal best for him, so it was a nice day for the freshman.”

In the men's 800 meters, Tyler Payton advanced to tomorrow's semifinal by taking second in his heat, running a 1:52.39.

“Tyler Payton did a great job,” Smith said. “His heat got out to a real slow start, and then late in the race he took over and made them come and get him. He closed well with one of the top runners in the country. I think he is ready to compete for a spot in the NCAA Championships.”

OSU track & field will be back in action tomorrow at the NCAA West Preliminary Round, with action beginning at 10 a.m., with the men's hammer throw, featuring top-ranked Nick Miller.

NCAA West Preliminary Round