Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Qualifies Three In The 5,000 Meters
June 01, 2014 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
June 1, 2014
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -
Oklahoma State's Kirubel Erassa, Shadrack Kipchirchir and Monika Juodeskaite qualified for the national championships in the 5,000 meters, at the NCAA West Preliminary Round, in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday.
In the men's 5,000 meters, Kipchirchir (13:48.43) ran a smooth race, much like his 10,000 meter run on Thursday, taking fourth. Kipchirchir has now qualified to run both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters in Eugene, Ore., at the NCAA Championships.
"Shadrack looked like a million bucks," OSU coach Dave Smith said. "He was relaxed, and just like Thursday, he knew what he needed to do and got it done. He has looked incredible and I'm excited to see what he does in a couple weeks."
Erassa also landed in the coveted top 12 spots, taking 10th, with a time of 14:18.65. He also earned a trip to Eugene. Overall, the Cowboys will send four athletes to Eugene, with their eyes on a top-10 finish in men's team scoring.
"Kirubel was working hard out there," Smith said. "We've asked a lot out of him this year, but he continues to get it done. However, it's like a pitcher. If his arm goes, you don't get him back without significant time off, so we need to get him as fresh as possible over the next two weeks before nationals. It can be a delicate situation.”
In the women's 5,000 meters, Monika Juodeskaite (16:24.96) punched her ticket to nationals with a 10th-place finish. She will compete at an NCAA Track & Field Championship for the first time.
"Monika was awesome," Smith said. "She was working really hard and was able get that last spot to qualify for Eugene. She is just a competitor. She knows how to race, and that's everything this time of year."
In the women's hammer throw, Caitlin Way's decorated OSU career came to an end with a 22nd-place finish, on a throw of 55.51m/182-1.
In the men's 1,500 meters, Matthew Fayers (3:48.24) finished 19th, and Chad Noelle, a heavy favorite to advance to Eugene, accidentally got tangled up with another runner and was disqualified.
OSU track & field will return to action June 11-14, at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, in Eugene, Ore.
NCAA West Preliminary Round
May 29-31, 2014/ John McDonnell Field/ Fayetteville, Ark.
Saturday, May 31
Men's Individual Results
1,500 Meters
19. Matthew Fayers – 3:48.24
-- Chad Noelle – DQ
5,000 Meters
4. Shadrack Kipchirchir – 13:48.43
10. Kirubel Erassa – 14:18.65
Women's Individual Results
5,000 Meters
10. Monika Juodeskaite – 16:24.96
Hammer Throw
22. Caitlin Way – 55.51m/182-1
* - Denotes Personal Best
