Six CAA Student-Athletes Advance In NCAA East Region Meet
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 24, 2012) - Six CAA standouts advanced in the 2012 NCAA Track and Field East Region meet on Thursday at the University of North Florida's Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. George Mason led the league with three student-athletes qualifying for the next round.
Action on the men's side was highlighted by George Mason junior David Verburg, who clocked a 45.78, the fastest time of the day in the 400 meters, to win his heat in the preliminaries and advance to Friday's National Quarterfinal. Patriots' teammate Lavell Handy finished tied-fourth in the long jump to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa in two weeks. The senior posted a jump of 7.63m. William and Mary senior Brandon Heroux continued his comeback from injury, qualifying in the javelin throw with a toss of 71.86m (235'9).
On the women's side, George Mason senior Cierra McGee moved on to the quarterfinals in the 400m, with a time of 53.32, good enough for the 13th fastest time in the 48 woman field. VCU freshman Kiara Porter continued her successful rookie campaign, also advancing in the 400m with a mark of 53.63. William and Mary sophomore Elaina Balouris became the third Tribe woman ever to qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 10,000m run. Balouris finished eighth to advance to the national finals in a time of 34:29.88.
The East Region preliminaries continue on Friday at 10:00 a.m. with the men's hammer throw. Tomorrow's track events begin at 5:00 p.m. with the running of the men's 110-meter hurdles.
