Byers Advances to NCAA Championships

May 24, 2012

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AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Iowa track and field team competed in day one of the NCAA Mid-West Regional Thursday. The Hawkeyes were lead by junior Matt Byers who qualified for the NCAA Championships, which will take place June 6-9 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Byers was the first Hawkeye to earn his ticket to the NCAA Championships. Byers recorded a Javelin throw of 223-8 (68.18m) to earn a eleventh place finish and a trip to Des Moines.

Juniors Ethan Holmes and Keaton Rickels both qualified for the quarterfinals in the 400-meter hurdles. Holmes crossed the line with a time of 51.79, while Rickels clocked a time of 52.26. The 400-meter hurdles quarterfinals will take place Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Sophomore Ashley Liverpool earned a spot in the 400 meters quarterfinals. Liverpool crossed the line in 54.89 to qualify for the championships. The 400 meters quarterfinal will begin Friday at 6:15 p.m.

Erik Sowinski finished third in his 800 meters heat, earning his way into the quarterfinals. Sowinski clocked a time of 1:49.08. The 800 meters quarterfinals will begin Friday at 7:00 p.m.

“We had some good things going on today,” said director of track and field Larry Wieczorek. “We certainly got the weekend off to a good start.”

The Hawkeyes will return to action Friday with day two of the NCAA Mid-West Regional. Action is set to begin at 11 a.m.