June 5, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Three Kentucky track and field student-athletes, Andrew Evans, Raymond Dykstra and Luis Orta, will put everything on the line as they compete in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, from June 6-9.
After recording qualifying marks and times at the NCAA East Preliminary at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., Evans, Dykstra and Orta now turn their attention to the country’s biggest stage at Drake Stadium.
Evans, the Southeastern Conference men’s discus champion, advanced to the NCAA National Championships with a mark of 182-07-55.67m at the NCAA East Preliminary. Evans was consistent throughout his day, throwing qualifying marks in five of his six throws and over 177 feet in each of those throws. Evans’ final mark, which came on his final throw, was the eighth-best mark at the east preliminary.
Dykstra, a Second Team All-SEC performer and All-SEC Freshman Team selection in the javelin, qualified for the championships with a mark of 222-09/67.91m. Dykstra, like Evans, finished eighth at the east preliminary.
Orta, who was a Second Team All-SEC performer in the 3,000m steeplechase, qualified for the championships behind a career-best time of 8:44.25, which is the second-fastest 3,000m steeplechase recorded in Kentucky history.
Evans will throw Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. ET , while Dykstra will throw Thursday at 3:30 p.m. and Orta will run in the semifinals of the 3,000m steeplechase on Thursday at 8:25 p.m.
There are 24 participants in the semifinals of the 3,000m steeplechase. The top-five finishers in each of the race’s two heats will advance to the finals, along with each of the next four fastest times. The finals of the steeplechase will be Saturday at 12:52 p.m.
A complete list of which Kentucky student-athletes that are scheduled to compete in what events and at what times is listed below. All student-athletes and start times are subject to change. All times listed are eastern. Live results of the meet will be available each day at UKathletics.com, via Flash Results, Inc.
ESPNU will air live coverage of the meet Saturday beginning at 2:00 p.m. ESPN3.com will stream the championships live on June 7-9. ESPNU will air a tape-delayed package of the final rounds of the meet on June 16 at 2:00 p.m.
For all Kentucky track and field news and information, including daily recaps and results from each day of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, follow the Wildcats on Twitter at “KentuckyTrack” and go to UKathletics.com.
NCAA Outdoor National Championships
Drake Stadium – Des Moines, Iowa
June 6-9, 2012
Wednesday’s Lineup
Men’s Discus – 3:30 p.m.
Andrew Evans
Thursday’s Lineup
Men’s Javelin – 3:30 p.m.
Raymond Dykstra
Men’s 3,000-Meter Steeplechase (Semifinals) – 8:25 p.m.
Luis Orta
Saturday’s Lineup
Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase (Finals) – 12:52 p.m.
*Luis Orta
* = Pending qualification for finals
