David Freeman and Beth Heimann advanced to the finals of the 2004 NCAA Indoor Championships with their preliminary performances Friday at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark. In addition, UK?s Jeff Chakouian rounded out his indoor career with his fourth All-American honor by finishing 12th in the shot put, while the women?s distance medley relay squad finished ninth.
Freeman qualified for Saturday?s finals with a fourth-place finish in his heat of the mile run. The senior finished the race in 4:03.04, which marked the seventh-best overall time in the two heats. Sean Jefferson of Indiana had the fastest preliminary time of 4:02.54. Freeman had a season-best time of 4:01.36 two weeks ago in the Southeastern Conference Championships.
Heimann was equally as impressive in the 800 meters, finishing second in her heat and fourth overall with her time of 2:06.69. Nicole Cook of Tennessee, who won the SEC title in the event, had the best preliminary time of 2:04.03. Freeman is slated to compete in the finals in the mile at 6:25 p.m. CT, while Heimann will follow in the 800 meters at 6:35 p.m.
Chakouian, who has been hampered by an injury since the week before the SEC Championships, took 12th with a toss of 58-00.75. Ohio State?s Dan Taylor came in first with his last throw of the competition, which landed at 66-07.25. Last year?s champion Carl Myerscough of Nebraska finished in second. The women?s distance medley squad, comprised of Heimann, Jackie Gordon, Brooke Patterson and Caitlin Phillips, crossed the finish line in 11:19.17 and missed All-American honors by just one place. Tennessee?s relay team took the national crown with a performance of 11:06.07.
UK?s Brooke Patterson also culminated an outstanding indoor career at the championships Friday. The senior and 2003 cross country runner-up competed in the women?s mile run on Friday but did not qualify for Saturday?s finals with a time of 4:47.89.
Results from Heimann and Freeman?s finals at the championships will be available at www.ukathletics.com. Complete results from the entire championships are available at www.flashresults.com.
