Kentucky shot put star Jeff Chakouian finished second in the preliminary round of the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas Thursday, to advance to Saturday?s finals. Joining Chakouian in Saturday?s finals action will be Brooke Patterson, who finished sixth in the preliminaries of the women?s 800 meters.

Chakouian earned his spot in the finals after a first round throw of 63-08.75, placing him just behind Nebraska?s Carl Myerscough, who had a toss of 68-07.75. Patterson finished the race for the women in a time of 2:05.68. Teammate Beth Heimann clocked a time of 2:08.78 in the prelims, missing the cut for the finals.

Also in action for UK Thursday was Hunter Spencer in the men?s 1500 meters. He finished 20th in preliminary action with a time 3:49.27.

In Friday?s action, Ildiko Varga will compete for the women?s discus title after a school-record breaking performance at last month?s NCAA Mideast Regional.